SIMIAN SUBFAMILY E ADENOVIRUSES SAdV-39, -25.2, -26, -30, -37, AND -38 AND USES THEREOF

ABSTRACT

A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus SAdV-39, -25.2, -26, -30, -37, and -38 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus SAdV-39, -25.2, -26, -30, -37, and -38 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/178,738, filed Feb. 12, 2014, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/744,441, filed May 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,685,387, issued Apr. 1, 2014, which is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 of PCT/US2008/013066, filed Nov. 24, 2008, now expired, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/004,461, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired, 61/004,464, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired, 61/004,499, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired, 61/004,507, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired, 61/004,532, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired, and 61/004,541, filed Nov. 28, 2007, now expired. All of these applications, including sequence listings thereof, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Adenovirus is a double-stranded DNA virus with a genome size of about 36 kilobases (kb), which has been widely used for gene transfer applications due to its ability to achieve highly efficient gene transfer in a variety of target tissues and large transgene capacity. Conventionally, E1 genes of adenovirus are deleted and replaced with a transgene cassette consisting of the promoter of choice, cDNA sequence of the gene of interest and a poly A signal, resulting in a replication defective recombinant virus.

Adenoviruses have a characteristic morphology with an icosahedral capsid consisting of three major proteins, hexon (II), penton base (III) and a knobbed fibre (IV), along with a number of other minor proteins, VI, VIII, IX, IIIa and IVa2 [W. C. Russell, J. Gen Vivol., 81:2573-3704 (November 2000)]. The virus genome is a linear, double-stranded DNA with a terminal protein attached covalently to the 5′ terminus, which have inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). The virus DNA is intimately associated with the highly basic protein VII and a small peptide pX (formerly termed mu). Another protein, V, is packaged with this DNA-protein complex and provides a structural link to the capsid via protein VI. The virus also contains a virus-encoded protease, which is necessary for processing of some of the structural proteins to produce mature infectious virus.

A classification scheme has been developed for the Mastadenovirus family, which includes human, simian, bovine, equine, porcine, ovine, canine and opossum adenoviruses. This classification scheme was developed based on the differing abilities of the adenovirus sequences in the family to agglutinate red blood cells. The result was six subgroups, now referred to as subgroups A, B, C, D, E and F. See, T. Shenk et al., Adenoviridae: The Viruses and their Replication”, Ch. 67, in FIELD'S VIROLOGY, 6^(th) Ed., edited by B. N Fields et al, (Lippincott Raven Publishers, Philadelphia, 1996), p. 111-2112.

Recombinant adenoviruses have been described for delivery of heterologous molecules to host cells. See, U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716, which describes the genome of two chimpanzee adenoviruses. Simian adenoviruses, C5, C6 and C7, have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,472 as being useful as vaccine vectors. Other chimpanzee adenoviruses are described in WO 2005/1071093 as being useful for making adenovirus vaccine carriers.

What is needed in the art are vectors which effectively deliver molecules to a target and minimize the effect of pre-existing immunity to selected adenovirus serotypes in the population.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Isolated nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of five novel simian adenoviruses within subfamily E and vectors containing these sequences are provided herein. Also provided are a number of methods for using the vectors and cells of the invention. These adenoviruses include SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-26, SAdV-30, SAdV-37 and SAdV-38.

The methods described herein involve delivering one or more selected heterologous gene(s) to a mammalian patient by administering a vector of the invention. Use of the compositions described herein for vaccination permits presentation of a selected antigen for the elicitation of protective immune responses. The vectors based on these simian adenoviruses may also be used for producing heterologous gene products in vitro. Such gene products are themselves useful for a variety of purposes such as are described herein.

These and other embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Novel nucleic acid and amino acid sequences from simian adenovirus 39, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-26, SAdV-30, SAdV-37 and SAdV-38, all of which were isolated from chimpanzee feces, are provided.

Also provided are novel adenovirus vectors and packaging cell lines to produce vector based on these sequences for use in the in vitro production of recombinant proteins or fragments or other reagents. Further provided are compositions for use in delivering a heterologous molecule for therapeutic or vaccine purposes. Such therapeutic or vaccine compositions contain the adenoviral vectors carrying an inserted heterologous molecule. In addition, the novel SAdV sequences are useful in providing the essential helper functions required for production of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. Thus, helper constructs, methods and cell lines which use these sequences in such production methods, are provided.

The term “substantial homology” or “substantial similarity,” when referring to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof, indicates that, when optimally aligned with appropriate nucleotide insertions or deletions with another nucleic acid (or its complementary strand), there is nucleotide sequence identity in at least about 95 to 99% of the aligned sequences.

The term “substantial homology” or “substantial similarity,” when referring to amino acids or fragments thereof, indicates that, when optimally aligned with appropriate amino acid insertions or deletions with another amino acid (or its complementary strand), there is amino acid sequence identity in at least about 95 to 99% of the aligned sequences.

Preferably, the homology is over full-length sequence, or a protein thereof, or a fragment thereof which is at least 8 amino acids, or more desirably, at least 15 amino acids in length. Examples of suitable fragments are described herein.

The term “percent sequence identity” or “identical” in the context of nucleic acid sequences refers to the residues in the two sequences that are the same when aligned for maximum correspondence. Where gaps are required to align one sequence with another, the degree of scoring is calculated with respect to the longer sequence without penalty for gaps. Sequences that preserve the functionality of the polynucleotide or a polypeptide encoded thereby are more closely identical. The length of sequence identity comparison may be over the full-length of the genome (e.g., about 36 kbp), the full-length of an open reading frame of a gene, protein, subunit, or enzyme [see, e.g., the tables providing the adenoviral coding regions], or a fragment of at least about 500 to 5000 nucleotides, is desired. However, identity among smaller fragments, e.g. of at least about nine nucleotides, usually at least about 20 to 24 nucleotides, at least about 28 to 32 nucleotides, at least about 36 or more nucleotides, may also be desired. Similarly, “percent sequence identity” may be readily determined for amino acid sequences, over the full-length of a protein, or a fragment thereof. Suitably, a fragment is at least about 8 amino acids in length, and may be up to about 700 amino acids. Examples of suitable fragments are described herein.

Identity is readily determined using such algorithms and computer programs as are defined herein at default settings. Preferably, such identity is over the full length of the protein, enzyme, subunit, or over a fragment of at least about 8 amino acids in length. However, identity may be based upon shorter regions, where suited to the use to which the identical gene product is being put.

As described herein, alignments are performed using any of a variety of publicly or commercially available Multiple Sequence Alignment Programs, such as “Clustal W”, accessible through Web Servers on the internet [Thompson et al, 1994, Nucleic Acids Res, 22, 4673-4680]. Alternatively, Vector NTI® utilities [InVitrogen] are also used. There are also a number of algorithms known in the art that can be used to measure nucleotide sequence identity, including those contained in the programs described above. As another example, polynucleotide sequences can be compared using Fasta, a program in GCG Version 6.1. Fasta provides alignments and percent sequence identity of the regions of the best overlap between the query and search sequences. For instance, percent sequence identity between nucleic acid sequences can be determined using Fasta with its default parameters (a word size of 6 and the NOPAM factor for the scoring matrix) as provided in GCG Version 6.1, herein incorporated by reference. Similarly programs are available for performing amino acid alignments. Generally, these programs are used at default settings, although one of skill in the art can alter these settings as needed. Alternatively, one of skill in the art can utilize another algorithm or computer program that provides at least the level of identity or alignment as that provided by the referenced algorithms and programs.

“Recombinant”, as applied to a polynucleotide, means that the polynucleotide is the product of various combinations of cloning, restriction or ligation steps, and other procedures that result in a construct that is distinct from a polynucleotide found in nature. A recombinant virus is a viral particle comprising a recombinant polynucleotide. The terms respectively include replicates of the original polynucleotide construct and progeny of the original virus construct.

“Heterologous” means derived from a genotypically distinct entity from that of the rest of the entity to which it is being compared. For example, a polynucleotide introduced by genetic engineering techniques into a plasmid or vector derived from a different species is a heterologous polynucleotide. A promoter removed from its native coding sequence and operatively linked to a coding sequence with which it is not naturally found linked is a heterologous promoter. A site-specific recombination site that has been cloned into a genome of a virus or viral vector, wherein the genome of the virus does not naturally contain it, is a heterologous recombination site. When a polynucleotide with an encoding sequence for a recombinase is used to genetically alter a cell that does not normally express the recombinase, both the polynucleotide and the recombinase are heterologous to the cell.

As used throughout this specification and the claims, the term “comprise” and its variants including, “comprises”, “comprising”, among other variants, is inclusive of other components, elements, integers, steps and the like. The term “consists of” or “consisting of” are exclusive of other components, elements, integers, steps and the like.

I. The Simian Adenovirus Sequences

The invention provides nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of simian Adenovirus 39 (SAdV-39), SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 which is isolated from the other material with which they are associated in nature.

A. Nucleic Acid Sequences

-   -   The SAdV-39 nucleic acid sequences provided herein include         nucleotides 1 to 36553 of SEQ ID NO:1. The SAdV-25.2 nucleic         acid sequences provided herein include nucleotides 1 to 36629 of         SEQ ID NO: 130. The SAdV-26 nucleic acid sequences provided         herein include nucleotides 1 to 36628 of SEQ ID NO: 162. The         SAdV-30 nucleic acid sequences provided herein include         nucleotides 1 to 36621 of SEQ ID NO: 98. The SAdV-37 nucleic         acid sequences provided herein include nucleotides 1 to 36634 of         SEQ ID NO: 33. The SAdV-38 nucleic acid sequences provided         herein include nucleotides 1 to 36494 of SEQ ID NO: 65.     -   See, Sequence Listing, which is incorporated by reference         herein. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences of the         invention further encompass the strand which is complementary to         the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1, 130, 162, 98, 130, or 65,         respectively as well as the RNA and cDNA sequences corresponding         to the sequences of the following sequences and their         complementary strands. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid         sequences further encompass sequences which are greater than         98.5% identical, and preferably, greater than about 99%         identical, to the Sequence Listing. Also included in one         embodiment, are natural variants and engineered modifications of         the sequences provided in SEQ ID NO: 1, 130, 162, 98, 130, or 65         and their complementary strands. Such modifications include, for         example, labels that are known in the art, methylation, and         substitution of one or more of the naturally occurring         nucleotides with a degenerate nucleotide.

TABLE 1 NUCLEIC ACID REGIONS SAdV-39 SAdV-30 SAdV-25.2 SAdV-26 SAdV-37 SAdV-38 ORF ORF ORF ORF ORF ORF SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID Regions NO: 1 NO: 98 NO: 130 NO: 162 NO: 33 NO: 65 ITR  1 . . . 126  1 . . . 126  1 . . . 126  1 . . . 131  1 . . . 127  1 . . . 130 E1a 13S Join Join Join Join Join Join 12S 576 . . . 1143, 576 . . . 1143, 576 . . . 1143, 576 . . . 1140, 577 . . . 1144, 577 . . . 1144, 9S 1228 . . . 1433 1229 . . . 1434 1229 . . . 1434 1236 . . . 1441 1230 . . . 1435 1230 . . . 1435 E1b Small 1600 . . . 2175 1601 . . . 2173 1600 . . . 2175 1603 . . . 2163 1602 . . . 2174 1601 . . . 2176 T/19K Large 1905 . . . 3416 1906 . . . 3414 1905 . . . 3416 1908 . . . 3404 1907 . . . 3415 1906 . . . 3417 T/55K IX 3504 . . . 3929 3452 . . . 3922 3501 . . . 3926 3492 . . . 3917 3453 . . . 3923 3505 . . . 3930 E2b pTP Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (8474 . . . 10408, (8465 . . . 10399, (8467 . . . 10398, (8465 . . . 10399, (8467 . . . 10400, (8473 . . . 10410, 13862 . . . 13870) 13835 . . . 13843) 13826 . . . 13834) 13834 . . . 13842) 13836 . . . 13844) 13865 . . . 13873) Poly- Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement merase (5097 . . . 8672, (5091 . . . 8663, (5093 . . . 8665, (5085 . . . 8663, (5092 . . . 8664, (5099 . . . 8671, 13862 . . . 13870) 13835 . . . 13843) 13826 . . . 13843) 13834 . . . 13842) 13836 . . . 13844) 13865 . . . 13873) IVa2 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (3994 . . . 5324, (3988 . . . 5318, (3990 . . . 5320, (3982 . . . 5312, (3989 . . . 5319, (3996 . . . 5326, 5603 . . . 5615) 5597 . . . 5609) 5599 . . . 5611) 5591 . . . 5603) 5598 . . . 5610 5605 . . . 5617) L1 52/55D 10859 . . . 12037 10826 . . . 12001 10833 . . . 12017 10612 . . . 12003 10827 . . . 12002 10871 . . . 12046 IIIa 12064 . . . 13833 12028 . . . 13806 12044 . . . 13792 12030 . . . 13805 12029 . . . 13807 12073 . . . 13830 L2 Penton 13915 . . . 15510 13888 . . . 15486 13874 . . . 15466 13884 . . . 15521 13889 . . . 15514 13913 . . . 15529 VII 15517 . . . 16095 15493 . . . 16071 15473 . . . 16054 15528 . . . 16106 15521 . . . 16099 15536 . . . 16117 V 16140 . . . 17180 16116 . . . 17153 16102 . . . 17145 16151 . . . 17167 16144 . . . 17181 16165 . . . 17211 pX 17208 . . . 17438 17177 . . . 17407 17173 . . . 17403 17195 . . . 17428 17209 . . . 17439 17239 . . . 17469 L3 VI 17473 . . . 18249 17442 . . . 18218 17478 . . . 18209 17461 . . . 18234 17512 . . . 18234 17542 . . . 18261 Hexon 18359 . . . 21178 18328 . . . 21141 18315 . . . 21113 18344 . . . 21154 18328 . . . 21153 18357 . . . 21146 Endo- 21202 . . . 21825 21160 . . . 21786 21136 . . . 21759 21176 . . . 21802 21172 . . . 21798 21171 . . . 21791 protease E2a DBP Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (21910 . . . 23445) (21871 . . . 23403) (21845 . . . 23377) (21885 . . . 23423) (21883 . . . 23418) (21869 . . . 23404) L4 100 kD 23468 . . . 25870 23426 . . . 25828 23400 . . . 25790 23449 . . . 25854 23441 . . . 25840 23430 . . . 25814 33 kD Join Join Join Join Join Join homolog 25587 . . . 25917, 25548 . . . 25875, 25510 . . . 25837, 25574 . . . 25901, 26611 . . . 26940, 25534 . . . 25861, 26087 . . . 26415 26045 . . . 26379 26007 . . . 26350 26071 . . . 26399 27215 . . . 27529 26031 . . . 26377 22 kD 25587 . . . 26150 25548 . . . 26111 25510 . . . 26079 25574 . . . 26134 25560 . . . 26123 25534 . . . 26103 VIII 26484 . . . 27164 26451 . . . 27131 26425 . . . 27105 26482 . . . 27162 26463 . . . 27143 26452 . . . 27132 E3 12.5K 27168 . . . 27485 27135 . . . 27452 27109 . . . 27426 27166 . . . 27483 27147 . . . 27464 27136 . . . 27453 CR1- 27442 . . . 28071 27409 . . . 28032 27383 . . . 28009 27440 . . . 28072 27421 . . . 28044 27410 . . . 28036 alpha gp19K 28056 . . . 28583 28017 . . . 28544 27994 . . . 28527 28057 . . . 28584 28029 . . . 28556 28021 . . . 28548 CR1- 28616 . . . 29233 28581 . . . 29264 28560 . . . 29285 28618 . . . 29355 28593 . . . 29276 28581 . . . 29198 beta CR1- 29249 . . . 29863 29280 . . . 29888 29301 . . . 29906 29371 . . . 29988 29292 . . . 29900 29214 . . . 29822 gamma CR1- 29881 . . . 30765 29906 . . . 30769 29924 . . . 30784 30011 . . . 30883 29918 . . . 30781 29840 . . . 30703 delta RID- 30776 . . . 31048 30780 . . . 31052 30795 . . . 31067 30895 . . . 31167 30792 . . . 31064 30714 . . . 30986 alpha RID-beta 31057 . . . 31482 31061 . . . 31494 31076 . . . 31507 31170 . . . 31613 31073 . . . 31504 30995 . . . 31423 14.7K 31478 . . . 31882 31488 . . . 31892 31503 . . . 31907 31609 . . . 32010 31500 . . . 31904 31419 . . . 31823 L5 Fiber 31997 . . . 33463 32189 . . . 33523 32207 . . . 33535 32264 . . . 33538 32201 . . . 33535 32096 . . . 33370 E4 Orf 6/7 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (33567 . . . 33815, (33628 . . . 33876, (33632 . . . 33880, (33635 . . . 33883, (33640 . . . 33888, (33485 . . . 33733, 34529 . . . 34708) 34623 . . . 34772) 34603 . . . 34782) 34630 . . . 34779) 34602 . . . 34784) 34465 . . . 34635) Orf 6 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (33815 . . . 34708) (33876 . . . 34772) (33880 . . . 34782) (33883 . . . 34779) (33888 . . . 34784) (33733 . . . 34635) Orf 4 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (34617 . . . 34979) (34678 . . . 35043) (34691 . . . 35053) (34685 . . . 35050) (34763 . . . 35055) (34544 . . . 34906) Orf 3 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (34992 . . . 35342) (35055 . . . 35405) (35066 . . . 35416) (35062 . . . 35412) (35067 . . . 35417) (34919 . . . 35269) Orf 2 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (35342 . . . 35728) (35405 . . . 35791) (35416 . . . 35802) (35412 . . . 35798) (35417 . . . 35803) (35269 . . . 35655) Orf1 Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (35772 . . . 36143) (35844 . . . 36215) (35846 . . . 36217) (35851 . . . 36222) (35856 . . . 36227) (35699 . . . 36070) ITR Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement Complement (36428 . . . 36553) (36496 . . . 36621) (36504 . . . 36629) (36498 . . . 36628) (36508 . . . 36634) (36365 . . . 36494)

In one embodiment, fragments of the sequences of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38, and their complementary strand, cDNA and RNA complementary thereto are provided. Suitable fragments are at least 15 nucleotides in length, and encompass functional fragments, i.e., fragments which are of biological interest. For example, a functional fragment can express a desired adenoviral product or may be useful in production of recombinant viral vectors. Such fragments include the gene sequences and fragments listed in the tables herein. The tables provide the transcript regions and open reading frames in the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences. For certain genes, the transcripts and open reading frames (ORFs) are located on the strand complementary to that presented in SEQ ID NO: 1, 130, 162, 98, 130, or 65. See, e.g., E2b, E4 and E2a. The calculated molecular weights of the encoded proteins are also shown. Note that the E1a open reading frame of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 and the E2b open reading frame contain internal splice sites. These splice sites are noted in the table above.

The SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 adenoviral nucleic acid sequences are useful as therapeutic agents and in construction of a variety of vector systems and host cells. As used herein, a vector includes any suitable nucleic acid molecule including, naked DNA, a plasmid, a virus, a cosmid, or an episome. These sequences and products may be used alone or in combination with other adenoviral sequences or fragments, or in combination with elements from other adenoviral or non-adenoviral sequences. The SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences are also useful as antisense delivery vectors, gene therapy vectors, or vaccine vectors. Thus, further provided are nucleic acid molecules, gene delivery vectors, and host cells which contain the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences.

For example, the invention encompasses a nucleic acid molecule containing simian Ad ITR sequences of the invention. In another example, the invention provides a nucleic acid molecule containing simian Ad sequences of the invention encoding a desired Ad gene product. Still other nucleic acid molecule constructed using the sequences of the invention will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art, in view of the information provided herein.

In one embodiment, the simian Ad gene regions identified herein may be used in a variety of vectors for delivery of a heterologous molecule to a cell. For example, vectors are generated for expression of an adenoviral capsid protein (or fragment thereof) for purposes of generating a viral vector in a packaging host cell. Such vectors may be designed for expression in trans. Alternatively, such vectors are designed to provide cells which stably contain sequences which express desired adenoviral functions, e.g., one or more of E1a, E1b, the terminal repeat sequences, E2a, E2b, E4, E4ORF6 region.

In addition, the adenoviral gene sequences and fragments thereof are useful for providing the helper functions necessary for production of helper-dependent viruses (e.g., adenoviral vectors deleted of essential functions, or adeno-associated viruses (AAV)). For such production methods, the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences can be utilized in such a method in a manner similar to those described for the human Ad. However, due to the differences in sequences between the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences and those of human Ad, the use of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences greatly minimize or eliminate the possibility of homologous recombination with helper functions in a host cell carrying human Ad E1 functions, e.g., 293 cells, which may produce infectious adenoviral contaminants during rAAV production.

Methods of producing rAAV using adenoviral helper functions have been described at length in the literature with human adenoviral serotypes. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,595 and the references cited therein. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,982; WO 99/14354; WO 99/15685; WO 99/47691. These methods may also be used in production of non-human serotype AAV, including non-human primate AAV serotypes. The SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences which provide the necessary helper functions (e.g., E1a, E1b, E2a and/or E4 ORF6) can be particularly useful in providing the necessary adenoviral function while minimizing or eliminating the possibility of recombination with any other adenoviruses present in the rAAV-packaging cell which are typically of human origin. Thus, selected genes or open reading frames of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences may be utilized in these rAAV production methods.

Alternatively, recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors may be utilized in these methods. Such recombinant adenoviral simian vectors may include, e.g., a hybrid chimp Ad/AAV in which chimp Ad sequences flank a rAAV expression cassette composed of, e.g., AAV 3′ and/or 5′ ITRs and a transgene under the control of regulatory sequences which control its expression. One of skill in the art will recognize that still other simian adenoviral vectors and/or SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 gene sequences will be useful for production of rAAV and other viruses dependent upon adenoviral helper.

In still another embodiment, nucleic acid molecules are designed for delivery and expression of selected adenoviral gene products in a host cell to achieve a desired physiologic effect. For example, a nucleic acid molecule containing sequences encoding an SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 E1a protein may be delivered to a subject for use as a cancer therapeutic. Optionally, such a molecule is formulated in a lipid-based carrier and preferentially targets cancer cells. Such a formulation may be combined with other cancer therapeutics (e.g., cisplatin, taxol, or the like). Still other uses for the adenoviral sequences provided herein will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

In addition, one of skill in the art will readily understand that the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences can be readily adapted for use for a variety of viral and non-viral vector systems for in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo delivery of therapeutic and immunogenic molecules. For example, the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 simian Ad sequences can be utilized in a variety of rAd and non-rAd vector systems. Such vectors systems may include, e.g., plasmids, lentiviruses, retroviruses, poxviruses, vaccinia viruses, and adeno-associated viral systems, among others. Selection of these vector systems is not a limitation of the present invention.

The invention further provides molecules useful for production of the simian and simian-derived proteins of the invention. Such molecules which carry polynucleotides including the simian Ad DNA sequences of the invention can be in the form of naked DNA, a plasmid, a virus or any other genetic element.

B. SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 Adenoviral Proteins

Gene products of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 adenovirus, such as proteins, enzymes, and fragments thereof, which are encoded by the adenoviral nucleic acids described herein are provided. Further encompassed are SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 proteins, enzymes, and fragments thereof, having the amino acid sequences encoded by these nucleic acid sequences which are generated by other methods. Such proteins include those encoded by the open reading frames identified in the table above, the proteins identified in the Tables below with reference to SEQ ID NO, which are provided in the Sequence Listing, and fragments thereof of the proteins and polypeptides.

TABLE 2 PROTEIN SEQUENCES SAdV- SAdV- SAdV- SAdV- 39 30 SAdV SAdV- 38 26 SEQ SEQ 25.2 37 SEQ SEQ ID ID SEQ SEQ ID ID Regions NO: NO: ID NO: ID NO: NO: NO: E1a 13S 30 127 159 62 95 191 12S 9S E1b Small 24 120 153 56 89 185 T/19K Large 2 99 131 34 66 163 T/55K IX 3 100 132 35 67 164 L1 52/55D 4 101 133 36 68 165 IIIa 5 102 134 37 69 166 L2 Penton 6 103 135 38 70 167 VII 7 104 136 39 71 168 V 8 105 137 40 72 169 pX 9 106 138 41 73 170 L3 VI 10 107 139 42 74 171 Hexon 11 108 140 43 75 172 Endo- 12 109 141 44 76 173 protease L4 100 kD 13 110 142 45 77 174 33 kD 32 129 161 64 97 193 homo- log 22 kD 26 122 155 58 91 187 VIII 14 111 143 46 78 175 E3 12.5k 15 123 144 47 79 176 CR1- 27 112 156 59 92 188 alpha gp19K 16 124 145 48 87 177 CR1- 17 113 146 49 80 178 beta CR1- 18 114 147 50 81 179 gamma CR1- 19 115 148 51 82 180 delta RID- 20 116 149 52 83 181 alpha RID- 21 117 150 53 93 182 beta 14.7 K 28 125 158 60 84 189 L5 Fiber 22 118 151 54 85 183

Thus, in one aspect, unique simian adenoviral proteins which are substantially pure, i.e., are free of other viral and proteinaceous proteins are provided. Preferably, these proteins are at least 10% homogeneous, more preferably 60% homogeneous, and most preferably 95% homogeneous.

In one embodiment, unique simian-derived capsid proteins are provided. As used herein, a simian-derived capsid protein includes any adenoviral capsid protein that contains a SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 capsid protein or a fragment thereof, as defined above, including, without limitation, chimeric capsid proteins, fusion proteins, artificial capsid proteins, synthetic capsid proteins, and recombinant capsid proteins, without limitation to means of generating these proteins.

Suitably, these simian-derived capsid proteins contain one or more SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 regions or fragments thereof (e.g., a hexon, penton, fiber, or fragment thereof) in combination with capsid regions or fragments thereof of different adenoviral serotypes, or modified simian capsid proteins or fragments, as described herein. A “modification of a capsid protein associated with altered tropism” as used herein includes an altered capsid protein, i.e., a penton, hexon or fiber protein region, or fragment thereof, such as the knob domain of the fiber region, or a polynucleotide encoding same, such that specificity is altered. The simian-derived capsid may be constructed with one or more of the simian Ad of the invention or another Ad serotype which may be of human or non-human origin. Such Ad may be obtained from a variety of sources including the ATCC, commercial and academic sources, or the sequences of the Ad may be obtained from GenBank or other suitable sources.

The amino acid sequences of the penton proteins of SAdV-39 [SEQ ID NO: 6], SAdV-25.2 [SEQ ID NO:135], -26 [SEQ ID NO:167], -30 [SEQ ID NO:103], -37 [SEQ ID NO: 38] or -38 [SEQ ID NO: 70] are provided. Suitably, this penton protein, or unique fragments thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes. Examples of suitable fragments include the penton having N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations of about 50, 100, 150, or 200 amino acids, based upon the amino acid numbering provided above and in SEQ ID NO:6, 103, 135, 38, 70, 167 or 70. Other suitable fragments include shorter internal, C-terminal, or N-terminal fragments. Further, the penton protein may be modified for a variety of purposes known to those of skill in the art.

Also provided are the amino acid sequences of the hexon protein of SAdV-39 [SEQ ID NO: 11], SAdV-25.2 [SEQ ID NO:140], -26 [SEQ ID NO: 172], -30 [SEQ ID NO: 108], -37 [SEQ ID NO: 43] or -38 [SEQ ID NO: 75]. Suitably, this hexon protein, or unique fragments thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes. Examples of suitable fragments include the hexon having N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations of about 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, or 500 amino acids, based upon the amino acid numbering provided above and in SEQ ID NO: 11, 140, 172, 108, 43, or 75. Other suitable fragments include shorter internal, C-terminal, or N-terminal fragments. For example, one suitable fragment the loop region (domain) of the hexon protein, designated DE1 and FG1, or a hypervariable region thereof. Such fragments include the regions spanning amino acid residues about 125 to 443; about 138 to 441, or smaller fragments, such as those spanning about residue 138 to residue 163; about 170 to about 176; about 195 to about 203; about 233 to about 246; about 253 to about 374; about 287 to about 297; and about 404 to about 430 of the simian hexon proteins, with reference to SEQ ID NO: 11, 140, 172, 108, 43, or 75. Other suitable fragments may be readily identified by one of skill in the art. Further, the hexon protein may be modified for a variety of purposes known to those of skill in the art. Because the hexon protein is the determinant for serotype of an adenovirus, such artificial hexon proteins would result in adenoviruses having artificial serotypes. Other artificial capsid proteins can also be constructed using the chimp Ad penton sequences and/or fiber sequences of the invention and/or fragments thereof.

In one embodiment, an adenovirus having an altered hexon protein utilizing the sequences of a SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 hexon protein may be generated. One suitable method for altering hexon proteins is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,315, which is incorporated by reference. In this method, at least one loop region of the adenovirus hexon is changed with at least one loop region of another adenovirus serotype. Thus, at least one loop region of such an altered adenovirus hexon protein is a simian Ad hexon loop region of SAdV-39. In one embodiment, a loop region of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 hexon protein is replaced by a loop region from another adenovirus serotype. In another embodiment, the loop region of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 hexon is used to replace a loop region from another adenovirus serotype. Suitable adenovirus serotypes may be readily selected from among human and non-human serotypes, as described herein. The selection of a suitable serotype is not a limitation of the present invention. Still other uses for the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 hexon protein sequences will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

The amino acid sequences of the fiber proteins of SAdV-39 [SEQ ID NO:22], SAdV-25.2 [SEQ ID NO: 151], -26 [SEQ ID NO: 183], -30 [SEQ ID NO: 118], -37 [SEQ ID NO: 54] or -38 [SEQ ID NO: 85] are provided. Suitably, this fiber protein, or unique fragments thereof, may be utilized for a variety of purposes. One suitable fragment is the fiber knob, located within SEQ ID NO: 22, 151, 183, 119, 54 or 85. Examples of other suitable fragments include the fiber having N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations of about 50, 100, 150, or 200 amino acids, based upon the amino acid numbering provided in SEQ ID NO: 22, 151, 183, 119, 54 or 85. Still other suitable fragments include internal fragments. Further, the fiber protein may be modified using a variety of techniques known to those of skill in the art.

Unique fragments of the proteins of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 are at least 8 amino acids in length. However, fragments of other desired lengths can be readily utilized. In addition, modifications as may be introduced to enhance yield and/or expression of a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 gene product, e.g., construction of a fusion molecule in which all or a fragment of the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 gene product is fused (either directly or via a linker) with a fusion partner to enhance are provided herein. Other suitable modifications include, without limitation, truncation of a coding region (e.g., a protein or enzyme) to eliminate a pre- or pro-protein ordinarily cleaved and to provide the mature protein or enzyme and/or mutation of a coding region to provide a secretable gene product. Still other modifications will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Further encompassed are proteins having at least about 99% identity to the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 proteins provided herein.

As described herein, vectors of the invention containing the adenoviral capsid proteins of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 are particularly well suited for use in applications in which the neutralizing antibodies diminish the effectiveness of other Ad serotype based vectors, as well as other viral vectors. The rAd vectors are particularly advantageous in readministration for repeat gene therapy or for boosting immune response (vaccine titers).

Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to use one or more of the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 gene products (e.g., a capsid protein or a fragment thereof) to generate an antibody. The term “an antibody,” as used herein, refers to an immunoglobulin molecule which is able to specifically bind to an epitope. The antibodies may exist in a variety of forms including, for example, high affinity polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, synthetic antibodies, chimeric antibodies, recombinant antibodies and humanized antibodies. Such antibodies originate from immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE.

Such antibodies may be generated using any of a number of methods know in the art. Suitable antibodies may be generated by well-known conventional techniques, e.g., Kohler and Milstein and the many known modifications thereof. Similarly desirable high titer antibodies are generated by applying known recombinant techniques to the monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies developed to these antigens [see, e.g., PCT Patent Application No. PCT/GB85/00392; British Patent Application Publication No. GB2188638A; Amit et al., 1986 Science, 233:747-753; Queen et al., 1989 Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA, 86:10029-10033; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/WO9007861; and Riechmann et al., Nature, 332:323-327 (1988); Huse et al, 1988a Science, 246:1275-1281]. Alternatively, antibodies can be produced by manipulating the complementarity determining regions of animal or human antibodies to the antigen of this invention. See, e.g., E. Mark and Padlin, “Humanization of Monoclonal Antibodies”, Chapter 4, The Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Vol. 113, The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, Springer-Verlag (June, 1994); Harlow et al., 1999, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al., 1989, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Houston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; and Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-437. Further provided by the present invention are anti-idiotype antibodies (Ab2) and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies (Ab3). See, e.g., M. Wettendorff et al., “Modulation of anti-tumor immunity by anti-idiotypic antibodies.” In Idiotypic Network and Diseases, ed. by J. Cerny and J. Hiernaux, 1990 J. Am. Soc. Microbiol., Washington D.C.: pp. 203-229]. These anti-idiotype and anti-anti-idiotype antibodies are produced using techniques well known to those of skill in the art. These antibodies may be used for a variety of purposes, including diagnostic and clinical methods and kits.

Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to introduce a detectable label or a tag onto a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 gene product, antibody or other construct of the invention. As used herein, a detectable label is a molecule which is capable, alone or upon interaction with another molecule, of providing a detectable signal. Most desirably, the label is detectable visually, e.g. by fluorescence, for ready use in immunohistochemical analyses or immunofluorescent microscopy. For example, suitable labels include fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), phycoerythrin (PE), allophycocyanin (APC), coriphosphine-O (CPO) or tandem dyes, PE-cyanin-5 (PC5), and PE-Texas Red (ECD). All of these fluorescent dyes are commercially available, and their uses known to the art. Other useful labels include a colloidal gold label. Still other useful labels include radioactive compounds or elements. Additionally, labels include a variety of enzyme systems that operate to reveal a colorimetric signal in an assay, e.g., glucose oxidase (which uses glucose as a substrate) releases peroxide as a product which in the presence of peroxidase and a hydrogen donor such as tetramethyl benzidine (TMB) produces an oxidized TMB that is seen as a blue color. Other examples include horseradish peroxidase (HRP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and hexokinase in conjunction with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase which reacts with ATP, glucose, and NAD+ to yield, among other products, NADH that is detected as increased absorbance at 340 nm wavelength.

Other label systems that are utilized in the methods described herein are detectable by other means, e.g., colored latex microparticles [Bangs Laboratories, Indiana] in which a dye is embedded are used in place of enzymes to form conjugates with the target sequences to provide a visual signal indicative of the presence of the resulting complex in applicable assays.

Methods for coupling or associating the label with a desired molecule are similarly conventional and known to those of skill in the art. Known methods of label attachment are described [see, for example, Handbook of Fluorescent probes and Research Chemicals, 6th Ed., R. P. M. Haugland, Molecular Probes, Inc., Eugene, Oreg., 1996; Pierce Catalog and Handbook, Life Science and Analytical Research Products, Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Ill., 1994/1995]. Thus, selection of the label and coupling methods do not limit this invention.

The sequences, proteins, and fragments of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 may be produced by any suitable means, including recombinant production, chemical synthesis, or other synthetic means. Suitable production techniques are well known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press (Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). Alternatively, peptides can also be synthesized by the well known solid phase peptide synthesis methods (Merrifield, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 85:2149 (1962); Stewart and Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (Freeman, San Francisco, 1969) pp. 27-62). These and other suitable production methods are within the knowledge of those of skill in the art and are not a limitation of the present invention.

In addition, one of skill in the art will readily understand that the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 sequences can be readily adapted for use for a variety of viral and non-viral vector systems for in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo delivery of therapeutic and immunogenic molecules. For example, in one embodiment, the simian Ad capsid proteins and other simian adenovirus proteins described herein are used for non-viral, protein-based delivery of genes, proteins, and other desirable diagnostic, therapeutic and immunogenic molecules. In one such embodiment, a protein of the invention is linked, directly or indirectly, to a molecule for targeting to cells with a receptor for adenoviruses. Preferably, a capsid protein such as a hexon, penton, fiber or a fragment thereof having a ligand for a cell surface receptor is selected for such targeting. Suitable molecules for delivery are selected from among the therapeutic molecules described herein and their gene products. A variety of linkers including, lipids, polyLys, and the like may be utilized as linkers. For example, the simian penton protein may be readily utilized for such a purpose by production of a fusion protein using the simian penton sequences in a manner analogous to that described in Medina-Kauwe L K, et al, Gene Ther. 2001 May; 8(10):795-803 and Medina-Kauwe L K, et al, Gene Ther. 2001 December; 8(23): 1753-1761. Alternatively, the amino acid sequences of simian Ad protein IX may be utilized for targeting vectors to a cell surface receptor, as described in US Patent Appln 20010047081. Suitable ligands include a CD40 antigen, an RGD-containing or polylysine-containing sequence, and the like. Still other simian Ad proteins, including, e.g., the hexon protein and/or the fiber protein, may be used for used for these and similar purposes.

Still other SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 adenoviral proteins may be used as alone, or in combination with other adenoviral protein, for a variety of purposes which will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. In addition, still other uses for the SAdV adenoviral proteins will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

II. Recombinant Adenoviral Vectors

The compositions described herein include vectors that deliver a heterologous molecule to cells, either for therapeutic or vaccine purposes. As used herein, a vector may include any genetic element including, without limitation, naked DNA, a phage, transposon, cosmid, episome, plasmid, or a virus. Such vectors contain simian adenovirus DNA of SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 and a minigene. By “minigene” or “expression cassette” is meant the combination of a selected heterologous gene and the other regulatory elements necessary to drive translation, transcription and/or expression of the gene product in a host cell.

Typically, a SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38-derived adenoviral vector is designed such that the minigene is located in a nucleic acid molecule which contains other adenoviral sequences in the region native to a selected adenoviral gene. The minigene may be inserted into an existing gene region to disrupt the function of that region, if desired. Alternatively, the minigene may be inserted into the site of a partially or fully deleted adenoviral gene. For example, the minigene may be located in the site of such as the site of a functional E1 deletion or functional E3 deletion, among others that may be selected. The term “functionally deleted” or “functional deletion” means that a sufficient amount of the gene region is removed or otherwise damaged, e.g., by mutation or modification, so that the gene region is no longer capable of producing functional products of gene expression. If desired, the entire gene region may be removed. Other suitable sites for gene disruption or deletion are discussed elsewhere in the application.

For example, for a production vector useful for generation of a recombinant virus, the vector may contain the minigene and either the 5′ end of the adenoviral genome or the 3′ end of the adenoviral genome, or both the 5′ and 3′ ends of the adenoviral genome. The 5′ end of the adenoviral genome contains the 5′ cis-elements necessary for packaging and replication; i.e., the 5′ inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences (which function as origins of replication) and the native 5′ packaging enhancer domains (that contain sequences necessary for packaging linear Ad genomes and enhancer elements for the E1 promoter). The 3′ end of the adenoviral genome includes the 3′ cis-elements (including the ITRs) necessary for packaging and encapsidation. Suitably, a recombinant adenovirus contains both 5′ and 3′ adenoviral cis-elements and the minigene is located between the 5′ and 3′ adenoviral sequences. A SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 based adenoviral vector may also contain additional adenoviral sequences.

Suitably, these SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 based adenoviral vectors contain one or more adenoviral elements derived from the adenoviral genome of the invention. In one embodiment, the vectors contain adenoviral ITRs from SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 and additional adenoviral sequences from the same adenoviral serotype. In another embodiment, the vectors contain adenoviral sequences that are derived from a different adenoviral serotype than that which provides the ITRs.

As defined herein, a pseudotyped adenovirus refers to an adenovirus in which the capsid protein of the adenovirus is from a different adenovirus than the adenovirus which provides the ITRs.

Further, chimeric or hybrid adenoviruses may be constructed using the adenoviruses described herein using techniques known to those of skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,291,498.

The selection of the adenoviral source of the ITRs and the source of any other adenoviral sequences present in vector is not a limitation of the present embodiment. A variety of adenovirus strains are available from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va., or available by request from a variety of commercial and institutional sources. Further, the sequences of many such strains are available from a variety of databases including, e.g., PubMed and GenBank. Homologous adenovirus vectors prepared from other simian or from human adenoviruses are described in the published literature [see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,846]. The DNA sequences of a number of adenovirus types are available from GenBank, including type Ad5 [GenBank Accession No. M73370]. The adenovirus sequences may be obtained from any known adenovirus serotype, such as serotypes 2, 3, 4, 7, 12 and 40, and further including any of the presently identified human types. Similarly adenoviruses known to infect non-human animals (e.g., simians) may also be employed in the vector constructs of this invention. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716.

The viral sequences, helper viruses (if needed), and recombinant viral particles, and other vector components and sequences employed in the construction of the vectors described herein are obtained as described above. The DNA sequences of the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 simian adenovirus sequences of the invention are employed to construct vectors and cell lines useful in the preparation of such vectors.

Modifications of the nucleic acid sequences forming the vectors of this invention, including sequence deletions, insertions, and other mutations may be generated using standard molecular biological techniques and are within the scope of this embodiment.

A. The “Minigene”

-   -   The methods employed for the selection of the transgene, the         cloning and construction of the “minigene” and its insertion         into the viral vector are within the skill in the art given the         teachings provided herein.

1. The transgene

The transgene is a nucleic acid sequence, heterologous to the vector sequences flanking the transgene, which encodes a polypeptide, protein, or other product, of interest. The nucleic acid coding sequence is operatively linked to regulatory components in a manner which permits transgene transcription, translation, and/or expression in a host cell.

The composition of the transgene sequence will depend upon the use to which the resulting vector will be put. For example, one type of transgene sequence includes a reporter sequence, which upon expression produces a detectable signal. Such reporter sequences include, without limitation, DNA sequences encoding β-lactamase, β-galactosidase (LacZ), alkaline phosphatase, thymidine kinase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), luciferase, membrane bound proteins including, for example, CD2, CD4, CD8, the influenza hemagglutinin protein, and others well known in the art, to which high affinity antibodies directed thereto exist or can be produced by conventional means, and fusion proteins comprising a membrane bound protein appropriately fused to an antigen tag domain from, among others, hemagglutinin or Myc. These coding sequences, when associated with regulatory elements which drive their expression, provide signals detectable by conventional means, including enzymatic, radiographic, colorimetric, fluorescence or other spectrographic assays, fluorescent activating cell sorting assays and immunological assays, including enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunohistochemistry. For example, where the marker sequence is the LacZ gene, the presence of the vector carrying the signal is detected by assays for beta-galactosidase activity. Where the transgene is GFP or luciferase, the vector carrying the signal may be measured visually by color or light production in a luminometer.

In one embodiment, the transgene is a non-marker sequence encoding a product which is useful in biology and medicine, such as proteins, peptides, RNA, enzymes, or catalytic RNAs. Desirable RNA molecules include tRNA, dsRNA, ribosomal RNA, catalytic RNAs, and antisense RNAs. One example of a useful RNA sequence is a sequence which extinguishes expression of a targeted nucleic acid sequence in the treated animal.

The transgene may be used for treatment, e.g., of genetic deficiencies, as a cancer therapeutic or vaccine, for induction of an immune response, and/or for prophylactic vaccine purposes. As used herein, induction of an immune response refers to the ability of a molecule (e.g., a gene product) to induce a T cell and/or a humoral immune response to the molecule. The invention further includes using multiple transgenes, e.g., to correct or ameliorate a condition caused by a multi-subunit protein. In certain situations, a different transgene may be used to encode each subunit of a protein, or to encode different peptides or proteins. This is desirable when the size of the DNA encoding the protein subunit is large, e.g., for an immunoglobulin, the platelet-derived growth factor, or a dystrophin protein. In order for the cell to produce the multi-subunit protein, a cell is infected with the recombinant virus containing each of the different subunits. Alternatively, different subunits of a protein may be encoded by the same transgene. In this case, a single transgene includes the DNA encoding each of the subunits, with the DNA for each subunit separated by an internal ribozyme entry site (IRES). This is desirable when the size of the DNA encoding each of the subunits is small, e.g., the total size of the DNA encoding the subunits and the IRES is less than five kilobases. As an alternative to an IRES, the DNA may be separated by sequences encoding a 2A peptide, which self-cleaves in a post-translational event. See, e.g., M. L. Donnelly, et al, J. Gen. Vivol., 78(Pt 1):13-21 (January 1997); Furler, S., et al, Gene Ther., 8(11):864-873 (June 2001); Klump H., et al., Gene Ther., 8(10):811-817 (May 2001). This 2A peptide is significantly smaller than an IRES, making it well suited for use when space is a limiting factor. However, the selected transgene may encode any biologically active product or other product, e.g., a product desirable for study.

Suitable transgenes may be readily selected by one of skill in the art. The selection of the transgene is not considered to be a limitation of this embodiment.

2. Regulatory Elements

In addition to the major elements identified above for the minigene, the vector also includes conventional control elements necessary which are operably linked to the transgene in a manner that permits its transcription, translation and/or expression in a cell transfected with the plasmid vector or infected with the virus produced by the invention. As used herein, “operably linked” sequences include both expression control sequences that are contiguous with the gene of interest and expression control sequences that act in trans or at a distance to control the gene of interest.

Expression control sequences include appropriate transcription initiation, termination, promoter and enhancer sequences; efficient RNA processing signals such as splicing and polyadenylation (polyA) signals; sequences that stabilize cytoplasmic mRNA; sequences that enhance translation efficiency (i.e., Kozak consensus sequence); sequences that enhance protein stability; and when desired, sequences that enhance secretion of the encoded product.

A great number of expression control sequences, including promoters which are native, constitutive, inducible and/or tissue-specific, are known in the art and may be utilized. Examples of constitutive promoters include, without limitation, the retroviral Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR promoter (optionally with the RSV enhancer), the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter (optionally with the CMV enhancer) [see, e.g., Boshart et al, Cell, 41:521-530 (1985)], the SV40 promoter, the dihydrofolate reductase promoter, the β-actin promoter, the phosphoglycerol kinase (PGK) promoter, and the EF1α promoter [Invitrogen].

Inducible promoters allow regulation of gene expression and can be regulated by exogenously supplied compounds, environmental factors such as temperature, or the presence of a specific physiological state, e.g., acute phase, a particular differentiation state of the cell, or in replicating cells only. Inducible promoters and inducible systems are available from a variety of commercial sources, including, without limitation, Invitrogen, Clontech and Ariad. Many other systems have been described and can be readily selected by one of skill in the art. For example, inducible promoters include the zinc-inducible sheep metallothionine (MT) promoter and the dexamethasone (Dex)-inducible mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. Other inducible systems include the T7 polymerase promoter system [WO 98/10088]; the ecdysone insect promoter [No et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 93:3346-3351 (1996)], the tetracycline-repressible system [Gossen et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5547-5551 (1992)], the tetracycline-inducible system [Gossen et al, Science, 378:1766-1769 (1995), see also Harvey et al, Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol., 2:512-518 (1998)]. Other systems include the FK506 dimer, VP16 or p65 using castradiol, diphenol murislerone, the RU486-inducible system [Wang et al, Nat. Biotech., 15:239-243 (1997) and Wang et al, Gene Ther., 4:432-441 (1997)] and the rapamycin-inducible system [Magari et al, J. Clin. Invest., 100:2865-2872 (1997)]. The effectiveness of some inducible promoters increases over time. In such cases one can enhance the effectiveness of such systems by inserting multiple repressors in tandem, e.g., TetR linked to a TetR by an IRES. Alternatively, one can wait at least 3 days before screening for the desired function. One can enhance expression of desired proteins by known means to enhance the effectiveness of this system. For example, using the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element (WPRE).

In another embodiment, the native promoter for the transgene will be used. The native promoter may be preferred when it is desired that expression of the transgene should mimic the native expression. The native promoter may be used when expression of the transgene must be regulated temporally or developmentally, or in a tissue-specific manner, or in response to specific transcriptional stimuli. In a further embodiment, other native expression control elements, such as enhancer elements, polyadenylation sites or Kozak consensus sequences may also be used to mimic the native expression.

Another embodiment of the transgene includes a transgene operably linked to a tissue-specific promoter. For instance, if expression in skeletal muscle is desired, a promoter active in muscle should be used. These include the promoters from genes encoding skeletal β-actin, myosin light chain 2A, dystrophin, muscle creatine kinase, as well as synthetic muscle promoters with activities higher than naturally occurring promoters (see Li et al., Nat. Biotech., 17:241-245 (1999)). Examples of promoters that are tissue-specific are known for liver (albumin, Miyatake et al., J. Virol., 71:5124-32 (1997); hepatitis B virus core promoter, Sandig et al., Gene Ther., 3:1002-9 (1996); alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Arbuthnot et al., Hum. Gene Ther., 7:1503-14 (1996)), bone osteocalcin (Stein et al., Mol. Biol. Rep., 24:185-96 (1997)); bone sialoprotein (Chen et al., J. Bone Miner. Res., 11:654-64 (1996)), lymphocytes (CD2, Hansal et al., J. Immunol., 161:1063-8 (1998); immunoglobulin heavy chain; T cell receptor chain), neuronal such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter (Andersen et al., Cell. Mol. Neurobiol., 13:503-15 (1993)), neurofilament light-chain gene (Piccioli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88:5611-5 (1991)), and the neuron-specific vgf gene (Piccioli et al., Neuron, 15:373-84 (1995)), among others.

Optionally, vectors carrying transgenes encoding therapeutically useful or immunogenic products may also include selectable markers or reporter genes may include sequences encoding geneticin, hygromicin or purimycin resistance, among others. Such selectable reporters or marker genes (preferably located outside the viral genome to be packaged into a viral particle) can be used to signal the presence of the plasmids in bacterial cells, such as ampicillin resistance. Other components of the vector may include an origin of replication. Selection of these and other promoters and vector elements are conventional and many such sequences are available [see, e.g., Sambrook et al, and references cited therein].

These vectors are generated using the techniques and sequences provided herein, in conjunction with techniques known to those of skill in the art. Such techniques include conventional cloning techniques of cDNA such as those described in texts [Sambrook et al, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.], use of overlapping oligonucleotide sequences of the adenovirus genomes, polymerase chain reaction, and any suitable method which provides the desired nucleotide sequence.

III. Production of the Viral Vector

In one embodiment, the simian adenoviral plasmids (or other vectors) are used to produce adenoviral vectors. In one embodiment, the adenoviral vectors are adenoviral particles which are replication—defective. In one embodiment, the adenoviral particles are rendered replication-defective by deletions in the E1a and/or E1b genes. Alternatively, the adenoviruses are rendered replication-defective by another means, optionally while retaining the E1a and/or E1b genes. The adenoviral vectors can also contain other mutations to the adenoviral genome, e.g., temperature-sensitive mutations or deletions in other genes. In other embodiments, it is desirable to retain an intact E1a and/or E1b region in the adenoviral vectors. Such an intact E1 region may be located in its native location in the adenoviral genome or placed in the site of a deletion in the native adenoviral genome (e.g., in the E3 region).

In the construction of useful simian adenovirus vectors for delivery of a gene to the human (or other mammalian) cell, a range of adenovirus nucleic acid sequences can be employed in the vectors. For example, all or a portion of the adenovirus delayed early gene E3 may be eliminated from the simian adenovirus sequence which forms a part of the recombinant virus. The function of simian E3 is believed to be irrelevant to the function and production of the recombinant virus particle. Simian adenovirus vectors may also be constructed having a deletion of at least the ORF6 region of the E4 gene, and more desirably because of the redundancy in the function of this region, the entire E4 region. Still another vector of this invention contains a deletion in the delayed early gene E2a. Deletions may also be made in any of the late genes L1 through L5 of the simian adenovirus genome. Similarly, deletions in the intermediate genes IX and IVa₂ may be useful for some purposes. Other deletions may be made in the other structural or non-structural adenovirus genes. The above discussed deletions may be used individually, i.e., an adenovirus sequence for use as described herein may contain deletions in only a single region. Alternatively, deletions of entire genes or portions thereof effective to destroy their biological activity may be used in any combination. For example, in one exemplary vector, the adenovirus sequence may have deletions of the E1 genes and the E4 gene, or of the E1, E2a and E3 genes, or of the E1 and E3 genes, or of E1, E2a and E4 genes, with or without deletion of E3, and so on. As discussed above, such deletions may be used in combination with other mutations, such as temperature-sensitive mutations, to achieve a desired result.

An adenoviral vector lacking any essential adenoviral sequences (e.g., E1a, E1b, E2a, E2b, E4 ORF6, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5) may be cultured in the presence of the missing adenoviral gene products which are required for viral infectivity and propagation of an adenoviral particle. These helper functions may be provided by culturing the adenoviral vector in the presence of one or more helper constructs (e.g., a plasmid or virus) or a packaging host cell. See, for example, the techniques described for preparation of a “minimal” human Ad vector in International Patent Application WO96/13597, published May 9, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

1. Helper Viruses

Thus, depending upon the simian adenovirus gene content of the viral vectors employed to carry the minigene, a helper adenovirus or non-replicating virus fragment may be necessary to provide sufficient simian adenovirus gene sequences necessary to produce an infective recombinant viral particle containing the minigene. Useful helper viruses contain selected adenovirus gene sequences not present in the adenovirus vector construct and/or not expressed by the packaging cell line in which the vector is transfected. In one embodiment, the helper virus is replication-defective and contains a variety of adenovirus genes in addition to the sequences described above. Such a helper virus is desirably used in combination with an E1-expressing cell line.

Helper viruses may also be formed into poly-cation conjugates as described in Wu et al, J. Biol. Chem., 374:16985-16987 (1989); K. J. Fisher and J. M. Wilson, Biochem. J., 299:49 (Apr. 1, 1994). Helper virus may optionally contain a second reporter minigene. A number of such reporter genes are known to the art. The presence of a reporter gene on the helper virus which is different from the transgene on the adenovirus vector allows both the Ad vector and the helper virus to be independently monitored. This second reporter is used to enable separation between the resulting recombinant virus and the helper virus upon purification.

2. Complementation Cell Lines

To generate recombinant simian adenoviruses (Ad) deleted in any of the genes described above, the function of the deleted gene region, if essential to the replication and infectivity of the virus, must be supplied to the recombinant virus by a helper virus or cell line, i.e., a complementation or packaging cell line. In many circumstances, a cell line expressing the human E1 can be used to transcomplement the chimp Ad vector. This is particularly advantageous because, due to the diversity between the chimp Ad sequences of the invention and the human AdE1 sequences found in currently available packaging cells, the use of the current human E1-containing cells prevents the generation of replication-competent adenoviruses during the replication and production process. However, in certain circumstances, it will be desirable to utilize a cell line which expresses the E1 gene products that can be utilized for production of an E1-deleted simian adenovirus. Such cell lines have been described. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716.

If desired, one may utilize the sequences provided herein to generate a packaging cell or cell line that expresses, at a minimum, the adenovirus E1 gene from SAdV39 under the transcriptional control of a promoter for expression in a selected parent cell line. Inducible or constitutive promoters may be employed for this purpose. Examples of such promoters are described in detail elsewhere in this specification. A parent cell is selected for the generation of a novel cell line expressing any desired SAdV39 gene. Without limitation, such a parent cell line may be HeLa [ATCC Accession No. CCL 2], A549 [ATCC Accession No. CCL 185], HEK 293, KB [CCL 17], Detroit [e.g., Detroit 510, CCL 72] and WI-38 [CCL 75]cells, among others. These cell lines are all available from the American Type Culture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. Other suitable parent cell lines may be obtained from other sources.

Such E1-expressing cell lines are useful in the generation of recombinant simian adenovirus E1 deleted vectors. Additionally, or alternatively, cell lines that express one or more simian adenoviral gene products, e.g., E1a, E1b, E2a, and/or E4 ORF6, can be constructed using essentially the same procedures are used in the generation of recombinant simian viral vectors. Such cell lines can be utilized to transcomplement adenovirus vectors deleted in the essential genes that encode those products, or to provide helper functions necessary for packaging of a helper-dependent virus (e.g., adeno-associated virus). The preparation of a host cell involves techniques such as assembly of selected DNA sequences. This assembly may be accomplished utilizing conventional techniques. Such techniques include cDNA and genomic cloning, which are well known and are described in Sambrook et al., cited above, use of overlapping oligonucleotide sequences of the adenovirus genomes, combined with polymerase chain reaction, synthetic methods, and any other suitable methods which provide the desired nucleotide sequence.

In still another alternative, the essential adenoviral gene products are provided in trans by the adenoviral vector and/or helper virus. In such an instance, a suitable host cell can be selected from any biological organism, including prokaryotic (e.g., bacterial) cells, and eukaryotic cells, including, insect cells, yeast cells and mammalian cells. Particularly desirable host cells are selected from among any mammalian species, including, without limitation, cells such as A549, WEHI, 3T3, 10T1/2, HEK 293 cells or PERC6 (both of which express functional adenoviral E1) [Fallaux, F J et al, (1998), Hum Gene Ther, 9:1909-1917], Saos, C2C12, L cells, HT1080, HepG2 and primary fibroblast, hepatocyte and myoblast cells derived from mammals including human, monkey, mouse, rat, rabbit, and hamster. The selection of the mammalian species providing the cells is not a limitation of this invention; nor is the type of mammalian cell, i.e., fibroblast, hepatocyte, tumor cell, etc.

3. Assembly of Viral Particle and Transfection of a Cell Line

Generally, when delivering the vector comprising the minigene by transfection, the vector is delivered in an amount from about 5 μg to about 100 μg DNA, and preferably about 10 to about 50 μg DNA to about 1×10⁴ cells to about 1×10¹³ cells, and preferably about 10⁵ cells. However, the relative amounts of vector DNA to host cells may be adjusted, taking into consideration such factors as the selected vector, the delivery method and the host cells selected.

The vector may be any vector known in the art or disclosed above, including naked DNA, a plasmid, phage, transposon, cosmids, episomes, viruses, etc. Introduction into the host cell of the vector may be achieved by any means known in the art or as disclosed above, including transfection, and infection. One or more of the adenoviral genes may be stably integrated into the genome of the host cell, stably expressed as episomes, or expressed transiently. The gene products may all be expressed transiently, on an episome or stably integrated, or some of the gene products may be expressed stably while others are expressed transiently. Furthermore, the promoters for each of the adenoviral genes may be selected independently from a constitutive promoter, an inducible promoter or a native adenoviral promoter. The promoters may be regulated by a specific physiological state of the organism or cell (i.e., by the differentiation state or in replicating or quiescent cells) or by exogenously-added factors, for example.

Introduction of the molecules (as plasmids or viruses) into the host cell may also be accomplished using techniques known to the skilled artisan and as discussed throughout the specification. In preferred embodiment, standard transfection techniques are used, e.g., CaPO₄ transfection or electroporation.

Assembly of the selected DNA sequences of the adenovirus (as well as the transgene and other vector elements into various intermediate plasmids, and the use of the plasmids and vectors to produce a recombinant viral particle are all achieved using conventional techniques. Such techniques include conventional cloning techniques of cDNA such as those described in texts [Sambrook et al, cited above], use of overlapping oligonucleotide sequences of the adenovirus genomes, polymerase chain reaction, and any suitable method which provides the desired nucleotide sequence. Standard transfection and co-transfection techniques are employed, e.g., CaPO₄ precipitation techniques. Other conventional methods employed include homologous recombination of the viral genomes, plaquing of viruses in agar overlay, methods of measuring signal generation, and the like.

For example, following the construction and assembly of the desired minigene-containing viral vector, the vector is transfected in vitro in the presence of a helper virus into the packaging cell line. Homologous recombination occurs between the helper and the vector sequences, which permits the adenovirus-transgene sequences in the vector to be replicated and packaged into virion capsids, resulting in the recombinant viral vector particles. The current method for producing such virus particles is transfection-based. However, the invention is not limited to such methods.

The resulting recombinant simian adenoviruses are useful in transferring a selected transgene to a selected cell. In in vivo experiments with the recombinant virus grown in the packaging cell lines, the E1-deleted recombinant simian adenoviral vectors of the invention demonstrate utility in transferring a transgene to a non-simian, preferably a human, cell.

IV. Use of the Recombinant Adenovirus Vectors

The recombinant simian adenovirus-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 based vectors are useful for gene transfer to a human or non-simian veterinary patient in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

The recombinant adenovirus vectors described herein can be used as expression vectors for the production of the products encoded by the heterologous genes in vitro. For example, the recombinant adenoviruses containing a gene inserted into the location of an E1 deletion may be transfected into an E1-expressing cell line as described above. Alternatively, replication-competent adenoviruses may be used in another selected cell line. The transfected cells are then cultured in the conventional manner, allowing the recombinant adenovirus to express the gene product from the promoter. The gene product may then be recovered from the culture medium by known conventional methods of protein isolation and recovery from culture.

A SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38-derived recombinant simian adenoviral vector provides an efficient gene transfer vehicle that can deliver a selected transgene to a selected host cell in vivo or ex vivo even where the organism has neutralizing antibodies to one or more AAV serotypes. In one embodiment, the rAAV and the cells are mixed ex vivo; the infected cells are cultured using conventional methodologies; and the transduced cells are re-infused into the patient. These compositions are particularly well suited to gene delivery for therapeutic purposes and for immunization, including inducing protective immunity.

More commonly, the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 recombinant adenoviral vectors will be utilized for delivery of therapeutic or immunogenic molecules, as described below. It will be readily understood for both applications, that the recombinant adenoviral vectors of the invention are particularly well suited for use in regimens involving repeat delivery of recombinant adenoviral vectors. Such regimens typically involve delivery of a series of viral vectors in which the viral capsids are alternated. The viral capsids may be changed for each subsequent administration, or after a pre-selected number of administrations of a particular serotype capsid (e.g., one, two, three, four or more). Thus, a regimen may involve delivery of a rAd with a first simian capsid, delivery with a rAd with a second simian capsid, and delivery with a third simian capsid. A variety of other regimens which use the Ad capsids of the invention alone, in combination with one another, or in combination with other adenoviruses (which are preferably immunologically non-crossreactive) will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Optionally, such a regimen may involve administration of rAd with capsids of other non-human primate adenoviruses, human adenoviruses, or artificial sequences such as are described herein. Each phase of the regimen may involve administration of a series of injections (or other delivery routes) with a single Ad capsid followed by a series with another capsid from a different Ad source. Alternatively, the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors may be utilized in regimens involving other non-adenoviral-mediated delivery systems, including other viral systems, non-viral delivery systems, protein, peptides, and other biologically active molecules.

The following sections will focus on exemplary molecules which may be delivered via the adenoviral vectors of the invention.

A. Ad-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutic Molecules

In one embodiment, the above-described recombinant vectors are administered to humans according to published methods for gene therapy. A simian viral vector bearing the selected transgene may be administered to a patient, preferably suspended in a biologically compatible solution or pharmaceutically acceptable delivery vehicle. A suitable vehicle includes sterile saline. Other aqueous and non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions known to be pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and well known to those of skill in the art may be employed for this purpose.

The simian adenoviral vectors are administered in sufficient amounts to transduce the target cells and to provide sufficient levels of gene transfer and expression to provide a therapeutic benefit without undue adverse or with medically acceptable physiological effects, which can be determined by those skilled in the medical arts. Conventional and pharmaceutically acceptable routes of administration include, but are not limited to, direct delivery to the retina and other intraocular delivery methods, direct delivery to the liver, inhalation, intranasal, intravenous, intramuscular, intratracheal, subcutaneous, intradermal, rectal, oral and other parenteral routes of administration. Routes of administration may be combined, if desired, or adjusted depending upon the transgene or the condition. The route of administration primarily will depend on the nature of the condition being treated.

Dosages of the viral vector will depend primarily on factors such as the condition being treated, the age, weight and health of the patient, and may thus vary among patients. For example, a therapeutically effective adult human or veterinary dosage of the viral vector is generally in the range of from about 100 μL to about 100 mL of a carrier containing concentrations of from about 1×10⁶ to about 1×10¹⁵ particles, about 1×10¹¹ to 1×10¹³ particles, or about 1×10⁹ to 1×10¹² particles virus. Dosages will range depending upon the size of the animal and the route of administration. For example, a suitable human or veterinary dosage (for about an 80 kg animal) for intramuscular injection is in the range of about 1×10⁹ to about 5×10¹² particles per mL, for a single site. Optionally, multiple sites of administration may be delivered. In another example, a suitable human or veterinary dosage may be in the range of about 1×10¹¹ to about 1×10¹⁵ particles for an oral formulation. One of skill in the art may adjust these doses, depending the route of administration, and the therapeutic or vaccinal application for which the recombinant vector is employed. The levels of expression of the transgene, or for an immunogen, the level of circulating antibody, can be monitored to determine the frequency of dosage administration. Yet other methods for determining the timing of frequency of administration will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

An optional method step involves the co-administration to the patient, either concurrently with, or before or after administration of the viral vector, of a suitable amount of a short acting immune modulator. The selected immune modulator is defined herein as an agent capable of inhibiting the formation of neutralizing antibodies directed against the recombinant vector of this invention or capable of inhibiting cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) elimination of the vector. The immune modulator may interfere with the interactions between the T helper subsets (T_(H1) or T_(H2)) and B cells to inhibit neutralizing antibody formation. Alternatively, the immune modulator may inhibit the interaction between T_(H1) cells and CTLs to reduce the occurrence of CTL elimination of the vector. A variety of useful immune modulators and dosages for use of same are disclosed, for example, in Yang et al., J. Virol., 70(9) (September, 1996); International Patent Application No. WO96/12406, published May 2, 1996; and International Patent Application No. PCT/US96/03035, all incorporated herein by reference.

1. Therapeutic Transgenes

Useful therapeutic products encoded by the transgene include hormones and growth and differentiation factors including, without limitation, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone (GH), parathyroid hormone (PTH), growth hormone releasing factor (GRF), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins, angiostatin, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF), erythropoietin (EPO), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin growth factors I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II), any one of the transforming growth factor superfamily, including TGF, activins, inhibins, or any of the bone morphogenic proteins (BMP) BMPs 1-15, any one of the heregluin/neuregulin/ARIA/neu differentiation factor (NDF) family of growth factors, nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophins NT-3 and NT-4/5, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurturin, agrin, any one of the family of semaphorins/collapsins, netrin-1 and netrin-2, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ephrins, noggin, sonic hedgehog and tyrosine hydroxylase.

Other useful transgene products include proteins that regulate the immune system including, without limitation, cytokines and lymphokines such as thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukins (IL) IL-1 through IL-25 (including, e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IL-18), monocyte chemoattractant protein, leukemia inhibitory factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, Fas ligand, tumor necrosis factors and, interferons, and, stem cell factor, flk-2/flt3 ligand. Gene products produced by the immune system are also useful in the invention. These include, without limitation, immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD and IgE, chimeric immunoglobulins, humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies, T cell receptors, chimeric T cell receptors, single chain T cell receptors, class I and class II MHC molecules, as well as engineered immunoglobulins and MHC molecules. Useful gene products also include complement regulatory proteins such as complement regulatory proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP), decay accelerating factor (DAF), CR1, CF2 and CD59.

Still other useful gene products include any one of the receptors for the hormones, growth factors, cytokines, lymphokines, regulatory proteins and immune system proteins. The invention encompasses receptors for cholesterol regulation, including the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) receptor, and the scavenger receptor. The invention also encompasses gene products such as members of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily including glucocorticoid receptors and estrogen receptors, Vitamin D receptors and other nuclear receptors. In addition, useful gene products include transcription factors such as jun, fos, max, mad, serum response factor (SRF), AP-1, AP2, myb, MyoD and myogenin, ETS-box containing proteins, TFE3, E2F, ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ZF5, NFAT, CREB, HNF-4, C/EBP, SP1, CCAAT-box binding proteins, interferon regulation factor (IRF-1), Wilms tumor protein, ETS-binding protein, STAT, GATA-box binding proteins, e.g., GATA-3, and the forkhead family of winged helix proteins.

Other useful gene products include, carbamoyl synthetase I, ornithine transcarbamylase, arginosuccinate synthetase, arginosuccinate lyase, arginase, fumarylacetacetate hydrolase, phenylalanine hydroxylase, alpha-1 antitrypsin, glucose-6-phosphatase, porphobilinogen deaminase, factor VIII, factor IX, cystathione beta-synthase, branched chain ketoacid decarboxylase, albumin, isovaleryl-coA dehydrogenase, propionyl CoA carboxylase, methyl malonyl CoA mutase, glutaryl CoA dehydrogenase, insulin, beta-glucosidase, pyruvate carboxylate, hepatic phosphorylase, phosphorylase kinase, glycine decarboxylase, H-protein, T-protein, a cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) sequence, and a dystrophin cDNA sequence.

Other useful gene products include non-naturally occurring polypeptides, such as chimeric or hybrid polypeptides having a non-naturally occurring amino acid sequence containing insertions, deletions or amino acid substitutions. For example, single-chain engineered immunoglobulins could be useful in certain immunocompromised patients. Other types of non-naturally occurring gene sequences include antisense molecules and catalytic nucleic acids, such as ribozymes, which could be used to reduce overexpression of a target.

Reduction and/or modulation of expression of a gene are particularly desirable for treatment of hyperproliferative conditions characterized by hyperproliferating cells, as are cancers and psoriasis. Target polypeptides include those polypeptides which are produced exclusively or at higher levels in hyperproliferative cells as compared to normal cells. Target antigens include polypeptides encoded by oncogenes such as myb, myc, fyn, and the translocation gene bcr/abl, ras, src, P53, neu, trk and EGRF. In addition to oncogene products as target antigens, target polypeptides for anti-cancer treatments and protective regimens include variable regions of antibodies made by B cell lymphomas and variable regions of T cell receptors of T cell lymphomas which, in some embodiments, are also used as target antigens for autoimmune disease. Other tumor-associated polypeptides can be used as target polypeptides such as polypeptides which are found at higher levels in tumor cells including the polypeptide recognized by monoclonal antibody 17-1A and folate binding polypeptides.

Other suitable therapeutic polypeptides and proteins include those which may be useful for treating individuals suffering from autoimmune diseases and disorders by conferring a broad based protective immune response against targets that are associated with autoimmunity including cell receptors and cells which produce self-directed antibodies. T cell mediated autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), Sjögren's syndrome, sarcoidosis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), autoimmune thyroiditis, reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, scleroderma, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, psoriasis, vasculitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these diseases is characterized by T cell receptors (TCRs) that bind to endogenous antigens and initiate the inflammatory cascade associated with autoimmune diseases.

The simian adenoviral vectors of the invention are particularly well suited for therapeutic regimens in which multiple adenoviral-mediated deliveries of transgenes is desired, e.g., in regimens involving redelivery of the same transgene or in combination regimens involving delivery of other transgenes. Such regimens may involve administration of a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 simian adenoviral vector, followed by re-administration with a vector from the same serotype adenovirus. Particularly desirable regimens involve administration of a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 simian adenoviral vector, in which the source of the adenoviral capsid sequences of the vector delivered in the first administration differs from the source of adenoviral capsid sequences of the viral vector utilized in one or more of the subsequent administrations. For example, a therapeutic regimen involves administration of a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vector and repeat administration with one or more adenoviral vectors of the same or different serotypes. In another example, a therapeutic regimen involves administration of an adenoviral vector followed by repeat administration with a SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vector which has a capsid which differs from the source of the capsid in the first delivered adenoviral vector, and optionally further administration with another vector which is the same or, preferably, differs from the source of the adenoviral capsid of the vector in the prior administration steps. These regimens are not limited to delivery of adenoviral vectors constructed using the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 simian sequences. Rather, these regimens can readily utilize other adenoviral sequences, including, without limitation, other simian adenoviral sequences, (e.g., Pan9 or C68, C1, etc), other non-human primate adenoviral sequences, or human adenoviral sequences, in combination with one or more of the SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors. Examples of such simian, other non-human primate and human adenoviral serotypes are discussed elsewhere in this document. Further, these therapeutic regimens may involve either simultaneous or sequential delivery of SAdV39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 adenoviral vectors in combination with non-adenoviral vectors, non-viral vectors, and/or a variety of other therapeutically useful compounds or molecules. The invention is not limited to these therapeutic regimens, a variety of which will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

B. Ad-Mediated Delivery of Immunogenic Transgenes

The recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors may also be employed as immunogenic compositions. As used herein, an immunogenic composition is a composition to which a humoral (e.g., antibody) or cellular (e.g., a cytotoxic T cell) response is mounted to a transgene product delivered by the immunogenic composition following delivery to a mammal, and preferably a primate. A recombinant simian Ad can contain in any of its adenovirus sequence deletions a gene encoding a desired immunogen. The simian adenovirus is likely to be better suited for use as a live recombinant virus vaccine in different animal species compared to an adenovirus of human origin, but is not limited to such a use. The recombinant adenoviruses can be used as prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines against any pathogen for which the antigen(s) crucial for induction of an immune response and able to limit the spread of the pathogen has been identified and for which the cDNA is available.

Such vaccinal (or other immunogenic) compositions are formulated in a suitable delivery vehicle, as described above. Generally, doses for the immunogenic compositions are in the range defined above for therapeutic compositions. The levels of immunity of the selected gene can be monitored to determine the need, if any, for boosters. Following an assessment of antibody titers in the serum, optional booster immunizations may be desired.

Optionally, a vaccinal composition of the invention may be formulated to contain other components, including, e.g., adjuvants, stabilizers, pH adjusters, preservatives and the like. Such components are well known to those of skill in the vaccine art. Examples of suitable adjuvants include, without limitation, liposomes, alum, monophosphoryl lipid A, and any biologically active factor, such as cytokine, an interleukin, a chemokine, a ligands, and optimally combinations thereof. Certain of these biologically active factors can be expressed in vivo, e.g., via a plasmid or viral vector. For example, such an adjuvant can be administered with a priming DNA vaccine encoding an antigen to enhance the antigen-specific immune response compared with the immune response generated upon priming with a DNA vaccine encoding the antigen only.

The recombinant adenoviruses are administered in a “an immunogenic amount”, that is, an amount of recombinant adenovirus that is effective in a route of administration to transfect the desired cells and provide sufficient levels of expression of the selected gene to induce an immune response. Where protective immunity is provided, the recombinant adenoviruses are considered to be vaccine compositions useful in preventing infection and/or recurrent disease.

Alternatively, or in addition, the vectors of the invention may contain a transgene encoding a peptide, polypeptide or protein which induces an immune response to a selected immunogen. The recombinant SAdV vectors described herein are expected to be highly efficacious at inducing cytolytic T cells and antibodies to the inserted heterologous antigenic protein expressed by the vector.

For example, immunogens may be selected from a variety of viral families. Example of viral families against which an immune response would be desirable include, the picornavirus family, which includes the genera rhinoviruses, which are responsible for about 50% of cases of the common cold; the genera enteroviruses, which include polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and human enteroviruses such as hepatitis A virus; and the genera apthoviruses, which are responsible for foot and mouth diseases, primarily in non-human animals. Within the picornavirus family of viruses, target antigens include the VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, and VPG. Another viral family includes the calcivirus family, which encompasses the Norwalk group of viruses, which are an important causative agent of epidemic gastroenteritis. Still another viral family desirable for use in targeting antigens for inducing immune responses in humans and non-human animals is the togavirus family, which includes the genera alphavirus, which include Sindbis viruses, RossRiver virus, and Venezuelan, Eastern & Western Equine encephalitis, and rubivirus, including Rubella virus. The flaviviridae family includes dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and tick borne encephalitis viruses. Other target antigens may be generated from the Hepatitis C or the coronavirus family, which includes a number of non-human viruses such as infectious bronchitis virus (poultry), porcine transmissible gastroenteric virus (pig), porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus (pig), feline infectious peritonitis virus (cats), feline enteric coronavirus (cat), canine coronavirus (dog), and human respiratory coronaviruses, which may cause the common cold and/or non-A, B or C hepatitis. Within the coronavirus family, target antigens include the E1 (also called M or matrix protein), E2 (also called S or Spike protein), E3 (also called HE or hemagglutin-elterose) glycoprotein (not present in all coronaviruses), or N (nucleocapsid). Still other antigens may be targeted against the rhabdovirus family, which includes the genera vesiculovirus (e.g., Vesicular Stomatitis Virus), and the general lyssavirus (e.g., rabies).

Within the rhabdovirus family, suitable antigens may be derived from the G protein or the N protein. The family filoviridae, which includes hemorrhagic fever viruses such as Marburg and Ebola virus, may be a suitable source of antigens. The paramyxovirus family includes parainfluenza Virus Type 1, parainfluenza Virus Type 3, bovine parainfluenza Virus Type 3, rubulavirus (mumps virus), parainfluenza Virus Type 2, parainfluenza virus Type 4, Newcastle disease virus (chickens), rinderpest, morbillivirus, which includes measles and canine distemper, and pneumovirus, which includes respiratory syncytial virus. The influenza virus is classified within the family orthomyxovirus and is a suitable source of antigen (e.g., the HA protein, the N1 protein). The bunyavirus family includes the genera bunyavirus (California encephalitis, La Crosse), phlebovirus (Rift Valley Fever), hantavirus (puremala is a hemahagin fever virus), nairovirus (Nairobi sheep disease) and various unassigned bungaviruses. The arenavirus family provides a source of antigens against LCM and Lassa fever virus. The reovirus family includes the genera reovirus, rotavirus (which causes acute gastroenteritis in children), orbiviruses, and cultivirus (Colorado Tick fever, Lebombo (humans), equine encephalosis, blue tongue).

The retrovirus family includes the sub-family oncorivirinal which encompasses such human and veterinary diseases as feline leukemia virus, HTLVI and HTLVII, lentivirinal (which includes human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), equine infectious anemia virus, and spumavirinal). Among the lentiviruses, many suitable antigens have been described and can readily be selected. Examples of suitable HIV and SIV antigens include, without limitation the gag, pol, Vif, Vpx, VPR, Env, Tat, Nef, and Rev proteins, as well as various fragments thereof. For example, suitable fragments of the Env protein may include any of its subunits such as the gp120, gp160, gp41, or smaller fragments thereof, e.g., of at least about 8 amino acids in length. Similarly, fragments of the tat protein may be selected. [See, U.S. Pat. No. 5,891,994 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,981.] See, also, the HIV and SIV proteins described in D. H. Barouch et al, J. Virol., 75(5):2462-2467 (March 2001), and R. R. Amara, et al, Science, 292:69-74 (6 Apr. 2001). In another example, the HIV and/or SIV immunogenic proteins or peptides may be used to form fusion proteins or other immunogenic molecules. See, e.g., the HIV-1 Tat and/or Nef fusion proteins and immunization regimens described in WO 01/54719, published Aug. 2, 2001, and WO 99/16884, published Apr. 8, 1999. The invention is not limited to the HIV and/or SIV immunogenic proteins or peptides described herein. In addition, a variety of modifications to these proteins has been described or could readily be made by one of skill in the art. See, e.g., the modified gag protein that is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,596. Further, any desired HIV and/or SIV immunogens may be delivered alone or in combination. Such combinations may include expression from a single vector or from multiple vectors. Optionally, another combination may involve delivery of one or more expressed immunogens with delivery of one or more of the immunogens in protein form. Such combinations are discussed in more detail below.

The papovavirus family includes the sub-family polyomaviruses (BKU and JCU viruses) and the sub-family papillomavirus (associated with cancers or malignant progression of papilloma). The adenovirus family includes viruses (EX, AD7, ARD, O.B.) which cause respiratory disease and/or enteritis. The parvovirus family feline parvovirus (feline enteritis), feline panleucopeniavirus, canine parvovirus, and porcine parvovirus. The herpesvirus family includes the sub-family alphaherpesvirinae, which encompasses the genera simplexvirus (HSVI, HSVII), varicellovirus (pseudorabies, varicella zoster) and the sub-family betaherpesvirinae, which includes the genera cytomegalovirus (HCMV, muromegalovirus) and the sub-family gammaherpesvirinae, which includes the genera lymphocryptovirus, EBV (Burkitts lymphoma), infectious rhinotracheitis, Marek's disease virus, and rhadinovirus. The poxvirus family includes the sub-family chordopoxvirinae, which encompasses the genera orthopoxvirus (Variola (Smallpox) and Vaccinia (Cowpox)), parapoxvirus, avipoxvirus, capripoxvirus, leporipoxvirus, suipoxvirus, and the sub-family entomopoxvirinae. The hepadnavirus family includes the Hepatitis B virus. One unclassified virus which may be suitable source of antigens is the Hepatitis delta virus. Still other viral sources may include avian infectious bursal disease virus and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus. The alphavirus family includes equine arteritis virus and various Encephalitis viruses.

Immunogens which are useful to immunize a human or non-human animal against other pathogens include, e.g., bacteria, fungi, parasitic microorganisms or multicellular parasites which infect human and non-human vertebrates, or from a cancer cell or tumor cell. Examples of bacterial pathogens include pathogenic gram-positive cocci include pneumococci; staphylococci; and streptococci. Pathogenic gram-negative cocci include meningococcus; gonococcus. Pathogenic enteric gram-negative bacilli include enterobacteriaceae; pseudomonas, acinetobacteria and eikenella; melioidosis; salmonella; shigella; haemophilus; moraxella; H. ducreyi (which causes chancroid); brucella; Franisella tularensis (which causes tularemia); yersinia (pasteurella); streptobacillus moniliformis and spirillum; Gram-positive bacilli include listeria monocytogenes; erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae; Corynebacterium diphtheria (diphtheria); cholera; B. anthracis (anthrax); donovanosis (granuloma inguinale); and bartonellosis. Diseases caused by pathogenic anaerobic bacteria include tetanus; botulism; other clostridia; tuberculosis; leprosy; and other mycobacteria. Pathogenic spirochetal diseases include syphilis; treponematoses: yaws, pinta and endemic syphilis; and leptospirosis. Other infections caused by higher pathogen bacteria and pathogenic fungi include actinomycosis; nocardiosis; cryptococcosis, blastomycosis, histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis; candidiasis, aspergillosis, and mucormycosis; sporotrichosis; paracoccidiodomycosis, petriellidiosis, torulopsosis, mycetoma and chromomycosis; and dermatophytosis. Rickettsial infections include Typhus fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, and Rickettsialpox. Examples of mycoplasma and chlamydial infections include: mycoplasma pneumoniae; lymphogranuloma venereum; psittacosis; and perinatal chlamydial infections. Pathogenic eukaryotes encompass pathogenic protozoa and helminthes and infections produced thereby include: amebiasis; malaria; leishmaniasis; trypanosomiasis; toxoplasmosis; Pneumocystis carinii; Trichans; Toxoplasma gondii; babesiosis; giardiasis; trichinosis; filariasis; schistosomiasis; nematodes; trematodes or flukes; and cestode (tapeworm) infections.

Many of these organisms and/or toxins produced thereby have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control [(CDC), Department of Heath and Human Services, USA], as agents which have potential for use in biological attacks. For example, some of these biological agents, include, Bacillus anthracis (anthrax), Clostridium botulinum and its toxin (botulism), Yersinia pestis (plague), variola major (smallpox), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and viral hemorrhagic fevers [filoviruses (e.g., Ebola, Marburg], and arenaviruses [e.g., Lassa, Machupo]), all of which are currently classified as Category A agents; Coxiella burnetti (Q fever); Brucella species (brucellosis), Burkholderia mallei (glanders), Burkholderia pseudomallei (meloidosis), Ricinus communis and its toxin (ricin toxin), Clostridium perfringens and its toxin (epsilon toxin), Staphylococcus species and their toxins (enterotoxin B), Chlamydia psittaci (psittacosis), water safety threats (e.g., Vibrio cholerae, Crytosporidium parvum), Typhus fever (Richettsia powazekii), and viral encephalitis (alphaviruses, e.g., Venezuelan equine encephalitis; eastern equine encephalitis; western equine encephalitis); all of which are currently classified as Category B agents; and Nipan virus and hantaviruses, which are currently classified as Category C agents. In addition, other organisms, which are so classified or differently classified, may be identified and/or used for such a purpose in the future. It will be readily understood that the viral vectors and other constructs described herein are useful to deliver antigens from these organisms, viruses, their toxins or other by-products, which will prevent and/or treat infection or other adverse reactions with these biological agents.

Administration of the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors to deliver immunogens against the variable region of the T cells are anticipated to elicit an immune response including CTLs to eliminate those T cells. In RA, several specific variable regions of TCRs which are involved in the disease have been characterized. These TCRs include V-3, V-14, V-17 and Vα-17. Thus, delivery of a nucleic acid sequence that encodes at least one of these polypeptides will elicit an immune response that will target T cells involved in RA. In MS, several specific variable regions of TCRs which are involved in the disease have been characterized. These TCRs include V-7 and Vα-10. Thus, delivery of a nucleic acid sequence that encodes at least one of these polypeptides will elicit an immune response that will target T cells involved in MS. In scleroderma, several specific variable regions of TCRs which are involved in the disease have been characterized. These TCRs include V-6, V-8, V-14 and Vα-16, Vα-3C, Vα-7, Vα-14, Vα-16, Vα-28 and Vα-12. Thus, delivery of a recombinant simian adenovirus that encodes at least one of these polypeptides will elicit an immune response that will target T cells involved in scleroderma.

C. Ad-Mediated Delivery Methods

The therapeutic levels, or levels of immunity, of the selected gene can be monitored to determine the need, if any, for boosters. Following an assessment of CD8+ T cell response, or optionally, antibody titers, in the serum, optional booster immunizations may be desired. Optionally, the recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors may be delivered in a single administration or in various combination regimens, e.g., in combination with a regimen or course of treatment involving other active ingredients or in a prime-boost regimen. A variety of such regimens has been described in the art and may be readily selected.

For example, prime-boost regimens may involve the administration of a DNA (e.g., plasmid) based vector to prime the immune system to second, booster, administration with a traditional antigen, such as a protein or a recombinant virus carrying the sequences encoding such an antigen. See, e.g., WO 00/11140, published Mar. 2, 2000, incorporated by reference. Alternatively, an immunization regimen may involve the administration of a recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -30, -37 or -38 vector to boost the immune response to a vector (either viral or DNA-based) carrying an antigen, or a protein. In still another alternative, an immunization regimen involves administration of a protein followed by booster with a vector encoding the antigen.

In one embodiment, a method of priming and boosting an immune response to a selected antigen by delivering a plasmid DNA vector carrying said antigen, followed by boosting with a recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vector is described. In one embodiment, the prime-boost regimen involves the expression of multiproteins from the prime and/or the boost vehicle. See, e.g., R. R. Amara, Science, 292:69-74 (6 Apr. 2001) which describes a multiprotein regimen for expression of protein subunits useful for generating an immune response against HIV and SIV. For example, a DNA prime may deliver the Gag, Pol, Vif, VPX and Vpr and Env, Tat, and Rev from a single transcript. Alternatively, the SIV Gag, Pol and HIV-1 Env is delivered in a recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 adenovirus construct. Still other regimens are described in WO 99/16884 and WO 01/54719.

However, the prime-boost regimens are not limited to immunization for HIV or to delivery of these antigens. For example, priming may involve delivering with a first SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vector followed by boosting with a second Ad vector, or with a composition containing the antigen itself in protein form. In one example, the prime-boost regimen can provide a protective immune response to the virus, bacteria or other organism from which the antigen is derived. In another embodiment, the prime-boost regimen provides a therapeutic effect that can be measured using convention assays for detection of the presence of the condition for which therapy is being administered.

The priming composition may be administered at various sites in the body in a dose dependent manner, which depends on the antigen to which the desired immune response is being targeted. The amount or situs of injection(s) or to pharmaceutical carrier is not a limitation. Rather, the regimen may involve a priming and/or boosting step, each of which may include a single dose or dosage that is administered hourly, daily, weekly or monthly, or yearly. As an example, the mammals may receive one or two doses containing between about 10 μg to about 50 μg of plasmid in carrier. A desirable amount of a DNA composition ranges between about 1 μg to about 10,000 μg of the DNA vector. Dosages may vary from about 1 μg to 1000 μg DNA per kg of subject body weight. The amount or site of delivery is desirably selected based upon the identity and condition of the mammal.

The dosage unit of the vector suitable for delivery of the antigen to the mammal is described herein. The vector is prepared for administration by being suspended or dissolved in a pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carrier such as isotonic saline; isotonic salts solution or other formulations that will be apparent to those skilled in such administration. The appropriate carrier will be evident to those skilled in the art and will depend in large part upon the route of administration. The compositions described herein may be administered to a mammal according to the routes described above, in a sustained release formulation using a biodegradable biocompatible polymer, or by on-site delivery using micelles, gels and liposomes. Optionally, the priming step also includes administering with the priming composition, a suitable amount of an adjuvant, such as are defined herein.

Preferably, a boosting composition is administered about 2 to about 27 weeks after administering the priming composition to the mammalian subject. The administration of the boosting composition is accomplished using an effective amount of a boosting composition containing or capable of delivering the same antigen as administered by the priming DNA vaccine. The boosting composition may be composed of a recombinant viral vector derived from the same viral source (e.g., adenoviral sequences of the invention) or from another source. Alternatively, the “boosting composition” can be a composition containing the same antigen as encoded in the priming DNA vaccine, but in the form of a protein or peptide, which composition induces an immune response in the host. In another embodiment, the boosting composition contains a DNA sequence encoding the antigen under the control of a regulatory sequence directing its expression in a mammalian cell, e.g., vectors such as well-known bacterial or viral vectors. The primary requirements of the boosting composition are that the antigen of the composition is the same antigen, or a cross-reactive antigen, as that encoded by the priming composition.

In another embodiment, the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors are also well suited for use in a variety of other immunization and therapeutic regimens. Such regimens may involve delivery of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors simultaneously or sequentially with Ad vectors of different serotype capsids, regimens in which SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors are delivered simultaneously or sequentially with non-Ad vectors, regimens in which the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -30, -37 or -38 vectors are delivered simultaneously or sequentially with proteins, peptides, and/or other biologically useful therapeutic or immunogenic compounds. Such uses will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

In still another embodiment, the invention provides the use of capsid of these viruses (optionally an intact or recombinant viral particle or an empty capsid) is used to induce an immunomodulatory effect response, or to enhance or adjuvant a cytotoxic T cell response to another active agent by delivering an adenovirus SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 to subject. The SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 capsid can be delivered alone or in a combination regimen with an active agent to enhance the immune response thereto. Advantageously, the desired effect can be accomplished without infecting the host with a subgroup E adenovirus. In another aspect, a method of inducing interferon alpha production in a subject in need thereof comprising delivering the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 capsid to a subject is provided. In still another aspect, a method for producing one or more cytokines (e.g., IFN-α)/chemokines in culture is provided. This method involves incubating a culture containing dendritic cells and the SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 capsid described herein under conditions suitable to produce cytokines/chemokines, including, alpha interferon, among others.

The cytokines so produced are useful in a variety of applications. For example, in the case of IFNα, the production described herein is particularly desirable, as it is believed that it will provide advantages over commercially available recombinantly produced IFNα, which contain only one or two subtypes of IFNα produced in bacteria. In contrast, the method is anticipated to produce multiple subtypes of natural human IFNα, which is expected to result in a broader spectrum of action. It is believed that each subtype employs a specific biological activity. Further, it is anticipated that the natural interferon produced by the method provided herein will be immunologically indistinguishable from the patient's naturally produced interferon, thereby reducing the risk of the drug being rejected by the subject's immune system, usually caused by the formation of neutralizing antibodies against recombinantly produced interferons.

The following examples illustrate the cloning of SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 and the construction of exemplary recombinant SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, -26, -30, -37 or -38 vectors. These examples are illustrative only, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

Example 1 Isolation of Simian Adenoviruses

Stool samples were obtained from the chimpanzee colony at the University of Louisiana New Iberia Research Center, 4401 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, La., USA, and from the chimpanzee colony at the Michael E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine and Research, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, Tex., USA. Supernatants from the chimpanzee stool samples in suspension in Hanks' Balanced Salt solution were sterile filtered through 0.2 micron syringe filters. 100 μl of each filtered sample was inoculated into the human cell line A549 cultures. These cells were grown in Ham's F12 with 10% FBS, 1% Penn-Strep and 50 μg/ml gentamicin. After about 1 to 2 weeks in culture, visual cytopathic effect (CPE) was obvious in cell cultures with several of the inocula. The adenoviruses were purified from cultures in A549 cells using standard published cesium chloride gradient techniques for adenovirus purification. DNA from the purified adenoviruses was isolated and completely sequenced by Qiagen Genomic services, Hilden, Germany.

Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the viral DNA sequences, the adenoviruses designated simian adenovirus 25.2 (SAdV-25.2), simian adenovirus 26 (SAdV-26), simian adenovirus 30 (SAdV-30), simian adenovirus 37 (SAdV-37), simian adenovirus 38, (SAdV-38) and simian adenovirus 39 (SAdV-39) were determined to be in the same subgroup as human subgroup E.

Sequence analysis revealed that the closest hexon match to the hexon of the SAdV-26 is chimpanzee adenovirus 6 (98.4 percent (%) identity) and the closest fiber match is human adenovirus 4 (93% identity).

Sequence analysis revealed that the closest genomic match of the SAdV25.2 virus is simian (chimpanzee) adenovirus 25 [Genbank accession number AC000011]. SAdV25 was previously named C68 or Pan9 [U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,716]. At the nucleic acid level, there is 94% identity between SAdV25.2 and SAdV25 as determined by vector NTI-AlignX. At the hexon (amino acid) level, SAdV-25.2 has 99% identity to simian adenovirus 25 with two conservative amino acid changes and two non-conservative changes. The following table shows the amino acid changes in SAdV25.2 as compared to the SAdV25 hexon sequence, with reference to the hexon of SAdV25.2 provided herewith in SEQ ID NO: 140. The numbering of both sequences is identical.

TABLE 3 Amino Acid Residue SEQ ID NO: 140 Change SAdV-25.2 (vs. SAdV25) 181 Glu (Lys) (non-conservative) 404 Lys (Arg) 477 Ala (Thr) (non-conservative) 497 Ala (Ser) 838 (Ala) Thr (non-conservative)

The methodology used to create the vectors was to first create a bacterial plasmid molecular clone of the entire E1-deleted adenoviral vector followed by transfection of the plasmid DNA into the E1 complementing cell line HEK 293 to rescue the viral vector.

In order to create molecular clones of an E1-deleted adenoviral vector, plasmid molecular clones of the E1-deleted adenoviruses were first created where recognition sites for the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI have been inserted in place of an E1 deletion. Expression cassettes flanked by I-CeuI and PI-SceI, and excised using these restriction enzymes, were ligated into the E1-deleted adenoviral plasmid clones. The plasmid adenoviral molecular clone harboring the desired expression cassette in place of the E1 deletion were transfected into HEK 293 cells to rescue the recombinant adenoviral vectors. Rescue following transfection was found to be facilitated by first releasing the linear adenoviral genome from the plasmid by restriction enzyme digestion.

Example 2 Construction of an E1-Deleted Plasmid Molecular Clones Based on SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-26, SAdV-30, SAdV-37, or SAdV-38 Using Standard Molecular Biology Techniques

A. Vector Construction of SAdV-39

An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-39 (subgroup E) was prepared as described.

1. Construction of pSR3:

A linker containing SmaI, HindII, EcoRV sites flanked by SwaI sites was cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI and NdeI as follows.

The oligomers SEQ ID NO: 196: SV25 Top: AATTATTTAAATCCCGGGTATCAA-GCTTGATAGATATCATTTAAAT and SEQ ID NO: 197: SV25 Bot TAATTTAAATGATATCTATCAAGCTTGATACCCGGGATTTAAAT were annealed together to create the linker.

2. Cloning of the SAdV-39 Viral Left End to the HindIII Site (7152)

The viral DNA was digested with HindIII and the 7152 bp left end fragment was cloned into pSR3 digested with SmaI and HindIII to yield pSR3 C39 LE.

3. E1 Functional Deletion and Insertion of I-CeuI and PI-SceI Sites:

The plasmid pC39LE was deleted between SnaBI and NdeI (Klenow filled in) to delete E1a and most of E1b coding regions; in its place a DNA fragment (the EcoRV fragment from pBleuSK I-PI harboring sites for I-CeuI and PI-SceI) was ligated in to yield pC39LEIP.

4. Cloning of the SAdV-39 Viral Right End from the NheI Site (35779).

The SAdV-39 viral DNA was digested with NheI and the 775 bp right end fragment was cloned into pC39LEIP between EcoRV and NheI to yield pC39LE IP RE.

5. Cloning of the SAdV-39 Viral NheI (3033-35779) Fragment

The plasmid pC37-LE-IP-RE was digested with HindIII and the 32746 bp viral NheI fragment was ligated in. The clone with the correct orientation was called pC39 IP.

B. Construction of an E1-Deleted Plasmid Molecular Clone Based on SAdV-25.2, Using Standard Molecular Biology Techniques

An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-25.2 (subgroup E) was prepared as described.

1. Construction of pSR6:

A linker containing SmaI, AscI, AvrII, EcoRV sites flanked by PacI sites is cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI and NdeI as follows.

The oligomers SEQ ID NO: 198: pSR6 top: AATTTTAATTAACCCGGGTATCGGC-GCGCCTTAACCTAGGGATAGATATCTTAATTAA and SEQ ID NO: 199: pSR6 bot: TATTAATTAAGATATCTATCCCTAGGTTAAGGCGCGCCGATACCCGGGTTAA-TTAA were annealed together to create the linker.

2. Cloning of the Viral Left End to the AscI Site (7959)

The viral DNA was digested with AscI and the 7959 bp left end fragment was cloned into pSR6 digested with SmaI and AscI to yield pSR5 C25.2 LE

3. E1 Functional Deletion and Insertion Of I-CeuI and PI-SceI Sites:

The plasmid pSR5 C25.2 LE was digested with SnaBI+NdeI; the NdeI site was filled in with Klenow. The EcoRV fragment from pBleuSK I-PI was ligated in to create pSR5 C25.2 LE IP.

4. Cloning of the Viral Right End from the XbaI Site (30071):

The plasmid pSR5 C25.2 LE IP was digested with XbaI+EcoRV. The 6559 bp right end (XbaI digest) fragment from the SAdV-25.2 DNA was ligated in to create pAdC12-LE-IP-RE.

5. Cloning of the viral middle XbaI fragment (6037-30071)

The plasmid pAdC12-LE-IP-RE was digested with XbaI. The 24034 bp fragment from the SAdV-25.2 DNA was ligated in to create pAdC25.2 IP.

C. Construction of an E1-Deleted Plasmid Molecular Clone Based on SAdV-26, Using Standard Molecular Biology Techniques

An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-26 (subgroup E) was prepared as described.

1. Construction of pSR5:

A linker containing SmaI, ClaI, XbaI, SpeI, EcoRV sites flanked by SwaI is cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI and NdeI.

The synthetic oligonucleotides SV39T, SEQ ID NO: 194 AATTATTTAAATCCCGGGGATCATCGATGATCTCTAGAGATCACTAGTCTAGGAT ATCATTTAAA and SV39B, SEQ ID NO: 195 TATTTAAATGATATCCTAGACTAGT-GATCTCTAGAGATCATCGATGATCCCCGGGATTTAAAT were annealed to create the linker.

2. Cloning of the Viral Left End to the XbaI Site (6029)

The viral DNA was digested with XbaI and the 6 kb fragments (left and right ends) were gel purified and ligated into pSR5 digested with SmaI and XbaI.

3. E1 Functional Deletion and Insertion of I-CeuI and PI-SceI Sites:

The plasmid pSR5-C12-LE was digested with SnaBI+NdeI; the NdeI site was filled in with Klenow. The EcoRV fragment from pBleuSK I-PI was ligated in to create pAdC12-LE-IP.

4. Cloning of the Viral Right End from the XbaI Site (30158):

The plasmid pAdC12-LE-IP was digested with XbaI+EcoRV. The 6471 bp right end (XbaI digest) fragment from the SAdV-26 DNA was ligated in to create pAdC12-LE-IP-RE.

5. Cloning of the Viral Middle XbaI Fragment (6029-30158)

The plasmid pAdC12-LE-IP-RE was digested with XbaI+EcoRV. The 24129 bp fragment from the SAdV-26 DNA was ligated in to create pC26 IP.

D. Vector Construction of SAdV-30

An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-30 (subgroup E) was prepared as described.

1. Construction of pSR3:

A linker containing SmaI, HindII, EcoRV sites flanked by SwaI sites was cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI and NdeI as follows.

The oligomers SEQ ID NO: 196: SV25 Top: AATTATTTAAATCCCGGGTATCAAGCTTGATAGATATCATTTAAAT and SEQ ID NO: 197: SV25 Bot: TAATTTAAATGATATCTATCAAGCTTGATACCCGG-GATTTAAAT were annealed together to create the linker.

2. Cloning of the Viral Left End to the HindIII Site (7146)

The viral DNA was digested with HindIII and the 7146 bp left end fragment was cloned into pSR3 digested with SmaI and HindIII to yield pSR3 C30 LE

3. E1 Functional Deletion and Insertion of I-CeuI and PI-SceI Sites:

The plasmid pSR3C30 LE was digested with SnaBI+NdeI; the NdeI site was filled in with Klenow. The EcoRV fragment from pBleuSK I-PI was ligated in to create pC30 LE IP. The internal EcoRI site (at position 1040 bp from the beginning of the left ITR) was destroyed by digesting pC30 LE IP with EcoRI, filling in the overhangs with Klenow polymerase and re-ligating. This yielded the plasmid pC30 LE IP (EcoRI del).

4. Cloning of the Viral Right End from the HindIII Site (33048):

The plasmid pC30 LE IP (EcoRI del) was digested with HindIII+EcoRV. The 3574 bp right end (HindIII digest) fragment from the SAdV-30 DNA was ligated in to create pC30-LE-IP-RE.

5. Cloning of the Viral Middle XbaI (6035) to EcoRI (33631) Fragment

The plasmid pC30-LE-IP-RE was digested with XbaI+HindIII. The 27596 bp fragment from the SAdV-30 DNA was ligated in to create pC30 IP.

E. Vector Construction of SAdV-37

An E1 deleted vector using the SAdV-37 (subgroup E) was prepared as described.

1. Construction of pSR3:

A linker containing SmaI, HindII, EcoRV sites flanked by SwaI sites was cloned into pBR322 cut with EcoRI and NdeI as follows. The oligomers: SEQ ID NO: 196: SV25 Top: AATTATTTAAATCCCGGGTATCAAGCTTGATAGAT-ATCATTTAAAT and SEQ ID NO: 197: SV25 Bot: TAATTTAAATGATATCTATCAAGCTTGATACCCGGGATTTAAAT were annealed together to create the linker.

2. Cloning of the SAdV-37 Viral Left End to the HindIII Site (7147)

The viral DNA was digested with HindIII and the 7147 bp left end fragment was cloned into pSR3 digested with SmaI and HindIII to yield pSR3 C37 LE

3. E1 Functional Deletion and Insertion of I-CeuI and PI-SceI Sites:

The plasmid pSR3 C37LE was deleted between SnaBI and NdeI (Klenow filled in) to delete E1a and most of E1b coding regions; in its place a DNA fragment (the EcoRV fragment from pBleuSK I-PI harboring sites for I-CeuI and PI-SceI) was ligated in to yield pSR3 C37 LE IP.

4. Cloning of the SAdV-37 Viral Right End from the HindIII Site (33048).

The plasmid pC37 LE IP was digested with HindIII+EcoRV. The 3575 bp right end (HindIII digest) fragment from the SAdV-37 DNA was ligated in to create pC37-LE-IP-RE.

5. Cloning of the SAdV-37 Viral HindIII (23522-33060) Fragment

The plasmid pC37-LE-IP-RE was digested with HindIII and the 9538 bp viral HindIII fragment was ligated in. The clone with the correct orientation was called pC37 del Xba Pac.

6. Cloning of the SAdV-37 Viral XbaI (6036) PacI (30181) Fragment

The plasmid pC37 del Xba Pac was digested with XbaI and PacI the 24145 bp viral XbaI-PacI fragment was ligated in to yield pC37IP.

F. Construction of E1-Deleted Adenoviral Vectors

In order to insert a DNA segment harboring I-CeuI and PI-SceI recognition sites in place of an E1 deletion, the plasmid pBleuSK I-PI was used. The plasmid pBleuSK I-PI contains a 654 bp fragment inserted into the EcoRV site of pBluescript II SK(+) (Stratagene). The 654 bp segment harbors recognition sites for the rare-cutter restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI. In order to insert a DNA segment harboring I-CeuI and PI-SceI recognition sites in place of an E1 deletion, pBleuSK I-PI was digested with EcoRV and the 654 bp fragment was ligated into the location of the adenoviral genome E1 deletion. The sequence of the inserted DNA is shown below flanked by EcoRV recognition sites. The recognition sequences for I-CeuI and PI-SceI are underlined.

SEQ ID NO: 200: GATATCATTTCCCCGAAAAGTGCCACCTGACGTAACTATAACGGTCCT AAGGTAGCGAAAGCTCAGATCTCCCGATCCCCTATGGTGCACTCTCAG TACAATCTGCTCTGATGCCGCATAGTTAAGCCAGTATCTGCTCCCTGC TTGTGTGTTGGAGGTCGCTGAGTAGTGCGCGAGCAAAATTTAAGCTAC AACAAGGCAAGGCTTGACCGACAATTGCATGAAGAATCTGCTTAGGGT TAGGCGTTTTGCGCTGCTTCGCGATGTACGGGCCAGATATACGCGGTA CGAAACCGCTGATCAGCCTCGACTGTGCCTTCTAGTTGCCAGCCATCT GTTGTTTGCCCCTCCCCCGTGCCTTCCTTGACCCTGGAAGGTGCCACT CCCACTGTCCTTTCCTAATAAAATGAGGAAATTGCATCGCATTGTCTG AGTAGGTGTCATTCTATTCTGGGGGGTGGGGTGGGGCAGGACAGCAAG GGGGAGGATTGGGAAGACAATAGCAGGCATGCTGGGGATGCGGTGGGC TCTATGGCTTCTGAGGCGGAAAGAACCAGCAGATCTGCAGATCTGAAT TCATCTATGTCGGGTGCGGAGAAAGAGGTAATGAAATGGCATTATGGG TATTATGGGTCTGCATTAATGAATCGGCCAGATATC

In order to construct E1-deleted adenoviral vectors expressing the influenza virus nucleoprotein, the nucleotide sequence encoding the H1N1 influenza A virus NP (A/Puerto Rico/8/34/Mount Sinai, GenBank accession number AF389119.1) was codon optimized and completely synthesized (Celtek Genes, Nashville, Tenn.). An expression cassette composed of the human cytomegalovirus early promoter, a synthetic intron (obtained from the plasmid pCI (Promega, Madison, Wis.), the codon optimized influenza A NP coding sequence and the bovine growth hormone polyadenylation signal was constructed. The plasmid pShuttle CMV PI FluA NP harbors the above described expression cassette where it is flanked by the recognition sites for the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI (New England Biolabs) respectively. In order to create a molecular clone of an E1-deleted adenoviral vector, plasmid molecular clones of the E1-deleted adenoviruses were created as described in the preceding portions of this example, where recognition sites for the rare-cutting restriction enzymes I-CeuI and PI-SceI were inserted in place of an E1 deletion. The E1-deleted adenoviral plasmids were then digested with I-CeuI and PI-SceI and the expression cassette (digested by the same enzymes) was ligated in. The resulting adenoviral plasmid molecular clones were transfected into HEK 293 cells to rescue recombinant adenoviral vector. Rescue following transfection was found to be facilitated by first releasing the linear adenoviral genome from the plasmid by restriction enzyme digestion.

Example 3 Assessment of Cross-Neutralizing Antibodies

Wild-type SAdV-39, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-26, SAdV-30, SAdV-37 and SAdV-38 were assessed for cross-neutralizing activity as compared to human Adenovirus 5 (subspecies C) and chimpanzee adenovirus 7 (SAdV-24), and human pooled IgG using an infection inhibition neutralizing antibody assay monitored by direct immunofluorescence. The human pooled IgG [Hu Pooled IgG] is purchased commercially and is approved for administration in immunocompromised patients, as it contains antibodies against a number of antigens to which the general human population is exposed. The presence or absence of neutralizing antibodies to the simian adenoviruses for the human pooled IgG is a reflection of the prevalence of antibodies to these adenoviruses in the general population.

The assay was performed as follow. Serum samples obtained from rabbits previously injected with HAdV-5 or SAdV-24 were heat inactivated at 56° C. for 35 min Wild type adenovirus (10⁸ particles/well) was diluted in serum-free Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) and incubated with 2-fold serial dilutions of heat-inactivated serum samples in DMEM for 1 h at 37° C. Subsequently, the serum-adenovirus mixture was added to slides in wells with 105 monolayer A549 cells. After 1 hr, the cells in each well were supplemented with 100 μl of 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS)-DMEM and cultured for 22 h at 37° C. in 5% CO2. Next, cells were rinsed twice with PBS and stained with DAPI and a goat, FITC labeled, broadly cross reactive antibody (Virostat) raised against HAdV-5 following fixation in paraformaldehyde (4%, 30 min) and permeabilization in 0.2% Triton (4° C., 20 min) The level of infection was determined by counting the number of FITC positive cells under microscopy. The NAB titer is reported as the highest serum dilution that inhibited adenovirus infection by 50% or more, compared with the naive serum control. Where a titer value of <1/20 is shown, the neutralizing antibody concentration was under the limit of detection, i.e., 1/20.

TABLE 4 Species Virus Anti-HAdV-5 Anti-SAdV-24 H. Pooled IgG C HAdV-5     1/81,920 <1/20   1/640 E SAdV-24 <1/20    1/655,360 1/20 (C7) SAdV-25.2 <1/20    1/655,360 1/40 SAdV-26  1/20   1/40,960 1/20 E SAdV-30 <1/20  1/1,280 1/20 SAdV-37 <1/20 1/320 1/20 SAdV-39 <1/20 1/320 1/20

These data indicate that there is minimal immunoreactivity to these adenoviruses in the general population. These data further indicate that the simian adenoviruses in the preceding Table which do not cross-react with HAdV-5 and SAdV-24 may be used in regimens which involve sequential delivery of adenoviruses, e.g., prime-boost or cancer therapies.

Example 4 Cytokine Induction

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cultured in medium in 96 well plates and infected with adenoviruses. 48 hrs later the cells are spun down and the supernatant collected and analyzed for the presence of interferon α.

More specifically, the PBMCs were obtained from the Center For AIDS Research (CFAR) immunology core at the University of Pennsylvania. 300 million of these cells were then used for isolating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) using the “human plasmacytoid dendritic cell isolation kit” from Miltenyi Biotec as per the instructions provided along with the kit. The isolation using this kit was based on removing all other cell types but pDCs from PBMCs.

The final cell numbers usually vary from donor to donor, but range from 0.4-0.7 million cells. So the data that has been generated (discussed below) comes from analysis of cells from multiple donors. Surprisingly though, the separation of subgroups based on interferon or other cytokine release is maintained even when analyzing cells from multiple donors.

The cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium (Mediatech) supplemented with L-glutamine, 10% Fetal bovine serum (Mediatech), 10 mM Hepes buffer solution (Invitrogen), antibiotics (Penicillin, streptomycin and Gentamicin—from Mediatech) and human-interleukin 3 (20 ng/mL—R&D). Wild-type adenoviruses were directly added to the cells at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10,000 (10,000 viral particles per cell, with a concentration of 10⁶ cells/ml). 48 hrs later the cells were spun down and the supernatant assayed for the presence of interferon. Cytokines were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from PBL Biomedical Laboratories using the recommended protocol from the manufacturer.

The study showed that subgroup C adenoviruses produced no detectable amounts of IFNα (the assay has a detection limit of 1250 pg/mL). In contrast, all tested members of the subgroup E adenoviruses produced IFNα and, in general, produced significantly more IFNα as compared to the subgroup B adenoviruses.

A variety of other cytokines were also detected in the screening of the adenoviruses. However, in general, the subgroup E adenoviruses produced significantly higher levels of IL-6, RANTES, MIP-1α, TNF-α, IL-8, and IP-10 than the subgroup C adenoviruses. The subgroup B adenoviruses also outperformed the subgroup C adenoviruses in induction of IFNα, IL-6, RANTES, and MIP1α.

Since no significant cell lysis was observed in this study, this suggests that the cytokine is produced by contacting the cells with the subgroup E adenovirus, without regard to infection and in the absence of any significant amount of viral replication.

In another study (not shown), cells were incubated as described above with either empty C7 capsid proteins (Ad subgroup E) or UV-inactivated adenovirus C7 viral vector (UV inactivation causes cross-linking, eliminating adenovirus gene expression). In these studies, the same or higher levels of IFNα were observed for both the empty capsid and the inactivated viral vector as compared to intact C7.

The inventors have found that exposing cytokine-producing cells or chemokine-producing cells, such as PBMC, PBL, and dendritic cells, to a capsid from a member of the subgroup E adenovirus induces cytokines, and in particular, IFNα, or chemokines in amounts significantly higher than are induced by other adenovirus subgroups. Thus, the members of this subgroup are useful for inducing alpha interferon and, in smaller quantities, a number of other cytokines/chemokines in culture.

In the case of IFNα, the production method is particularly desirable, as it is believed to be advantageous over recombinantly produced IFNα. In contrast, the method provided herein is anticipated to produce multiple subtypes of natural human IFNα, which is expected to result in a broader spectrum of action. It is believed that each subtype employs a specific biological activity. Further, it is anticipated that the natural interferon produced by the method provided herein will be immunologically indistinguishable from the patient's naturally produced interferon, thereby reducing the risk of the drug being rejected by the patient's immune system, usually caused by the formation of neutralizing antibodies against recombinantly produced interferons.

Other cytokines produced by the subgroup E adenoviruses include, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IP-10, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α), RANTES, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Methods of purifying these cytokines/chemokines from culture and therapeutic or adjuvant uses of these cytokines/chemokines have been described in the literature. Further, commercially available columns or kits may used for purification of the cytokines/chemokines prepared according to the invention. The cytokines/chemokines produced using the invention may be formulated for use in a variety of indications.

For example, cytokines described herein include, interferon alpha (IFNα), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IP-10 (Interferon gamma Inducible Protein), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8. IFNα, has been described as being useful in treatment of influenza, hepatitis (including, e.g., hepatitis B and C), and a variety of neoplasms, e.g., kidney (renal cell carcinoma), melanoma, malignant tumor, multiple myeloma, carcinoid tumor, lymphoma and leukemia (e.g., chronic myelogenous leukemia and hairy cell leukemia). A mixture of IFNα subtypes produced as described herein can be purified using known techniques. See, e.g., WO 2006/085092, which describes the use of monoclonal antibodies and column purification. Other techniques have been described in the literature.

IFNα produced as described herein can be purified using known methods. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,260, U.S. Pat. No. 4,732,683, and G. Allen, Biochem J., 207:397-408 (1982). TNFα has been described as being useful in treatment in autoimmune disorders including, e.g., psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. IP-10, Interferon gamma Inducible Protein, can be used as a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and to have a potent thymus-dependent anti-tumor effect.

Thus, in still another aspect, a method for producing IFNα by incubating a culture containing dendritic cells and a subgroup E adenovirus capsid under conditions suitable to produce cytokines is provided.

In one embodiment, blood is drawn from healthy donors (preferably human) and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are prepared using known techniques. In one embodiment, PBL are used as the cytokine-producing cells according to the method of the invention. In another embodiment, PBMC are used as the cytokine-producing cells. In another embodiment, plasmacytoid dendritic cells are isolated from the PBL or PBMC using known techniques, e.g., using the commercially available kit “human plasmacytoid dendritic cell isolation kit” by Miltenyi Biotec GmbH (Germany). The selected cells are cultured in suspension with an appropriate media and the adenovirus subgroup E capsid protein. Appropriate media can be readily determined by one of skill in the art. However, in one embodiment, the media is a RPMI-1640 medium. Alternatively, other media may be readily selected.

The cells may be cultured in a suitable vessel, e.g., a microtiter well, a flask, or a larger vessel. In one embodiment, the concentration of the cells is about 1 million cells/mL culture media. However, other suitable cell concentrations may be readily determined by one of skill in the art.

Advantageously, the invention does not require the use of interferons as primers. However, if desired, the media may include a suitable cytokine, IL-3, in order to stimulate cell growth. One suitable concentration is about 20 ng/mL. However, other concentrations may be used.

In one embodiment, the adenovirus capsid protein is introduced into the culture containing the cells. The adenovirus capsid protein can be delivered to the culture in any of the forms described herein (e.g., a viral particle, including an empty capsid particle, a viral vector having an Ad subgroupE capsid, and the like). Typically the capsid protein will be suspended in a suitable carrier, e.g., culture media, saline, or the like.

Suitably, the adenovirus subgroup E capsids are added to the culture in an amount of about 100 to 100,000 adenovirus subgroup E particles per cell. The mixture is then incubated, e.g., in the range of about 28° C. to about 40° C., in the range from about 35° C. to about 37° C., or about 37° C.

Typically, approximately 12 to 96 hours, or about 48 hours later, cells are spun down and the supernatant is collected. Suitably, this is performed under conditions which avoid cell lysis, thereby reducing or eliminating the presence of cellular debris in the supernatant. Centrifugation permits separation of the cytokines from the cells, thereby providing a crudely isolated cytokine. Sizing columns, and other known columns and methods are available for further purification of cytokines from adenoviruses and adenoviral capsids, and the like.

These cytokines, so purified, are available for formulation and use in a variety of applications.

As described herein and without being bound by theory, the immune enhancing and/or cytokine producing ability of the adenovirus subgroup E appears to be based on contact between the cells and the adenoviral capsid, without regard to infectivity or replication ability of the adenoviral particle. Thus, in one embodiment, an empty adenovirus subgroup E particle (i.e., an adenoviral capsid having no DNA packaged therein which expresses any adenoviral or transgene product) is delivered to the cells. In another embodiment, a non-infectious wild-type subgroup E particle or a recombinant adenoviral vector packaged in an adenoviral subgroup E capsid (particle) is used. Suitable techniques for inactivating such viral particles are known in the art and may include without limitation, e.g., UV irradiation (which effectively cross-links genomic DNA preventing expression).

All documents recited above are incorporated herein by reference. Numerous modifications and variations are included in the scope of the above-identified specification and are expected to be obvious to one of skill in the art. Such modifications and alterations to the compositions and processes, such as selections of different minigenes or selection or dosage of the vectors or immune modulators are believed to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. 

1. An adenovirus having a capsid comprising a capsid protein selected from the group consisting of: (a) a hexon protein of SAdV-25.2 with the amino acids 1 to 933 of SEQ ID NO: 140; a hexon protein of SAdV-37 with the amino acids 1 to 942 of SEQ ID NO: 43; a hexon protein of SAdV-38 with the amino acids 1 to 930 of SEQ ID NO: 75; a hexon protein of SAdV-26 with the amino acids 1 to 937 of SEQ ID NO: 172; (b) a penton protein of SAdV-25.2 with the amino acids 1 to 531 of SEQ ID NO: 135; a penton protein of SAdV-39 with the amino acids 1 to 532 of SEQ ID NO: 6; a penton protein of SAdV-30 with the amino acids 1 to 533 of SEQ ID NO: 103; a penton protein of SAdV-37 with the amino acids 1 to 542 of SEQ ID NO: 38; a penton protein of SAdV-38 with the amino acids 1 to 539 of SEQ ID NO: 70; a penton protein of SAdV-26 with the amino acids 1 to 546 of SEQ ID NO: 167; and (c) a fiber protein of SAdV-25.2 with the amino acids 1 to 443 of SEQ ID NO: 151; a fiber protein of SAdV-39 with the amino acids 1 to 489 of SEQ ID NO: 22, a fiber protein of SAdV-30 with the amino acids 1 to 445 of SEQ ID NO: 118; a fiber protein of SAdV-37 with the amino acids 1 to 445 of SEQ ID NO: 54; a fiber protein of SAdV-38 with the amino acids 1 to 425 of SEQ ID NO: 85; a fiber protein of SAdV-26 with the amino acids 1 to 425 of SEQ ID NO: 183; and said capsid encapsidating a heterologous nucleic acid comprising a gene operably linked to expression control sequences which direct transcription, translation, and/or expression thereof in a host cell.
 2. The adenovirus according to claim 1, further comprising a 5′ and a 3′ adenovirus cis-element necessary for replication and encapsidation.
 3. The adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said adenovirus lacks all or a part of the E1 gene.
 4. The adenovirus according to claim 3, wherein said adenovirus is replication—defective.
 5. The adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein said capsid is a hybrid capsid.
 6. The adenovirus according to claim 5, wherein said hybrid capsid comprises at least one capsid protein selected from one or more adenoviruses selected from SAdV-39, SAdV-30, SAdV-37, SAdV-38, and SAdV-26.
 7. An adenovirus having a capsid comprising a hexon containing a fragment of a simian adenovirus hexon protein and a nucleic acid sequence heterologous to the SAdV, wherein the fragment of the SAdV hexon protein is the SAdV hexon protein of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or 172 with an N-terminal or C-terminal truncation of about 50 amino acids in length or is selected from the group consisting of: amino acid residues 125 to 443 of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or 172; amino acid residues 138 to 441 of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or 172; amino acid residues 138 to 163 of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or 172; amino acid residues 170 to 176 of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or 172; and amino acid residues 404 to 430 of SEQ ID NO: 140, 43, 75 or
 172. 8. The adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein the capsid further comprises a SAdV-39, SAdV-30, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-37, SAdV-38 or SAdV-26 fiber protein.
 9. The adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein the capsid further comprises a SAdV-39, SAdV-30, SAdV-25.2, SAdV-37, SAdV-38 or SAdV-26 penton protein.
 10. The adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein said adenovirus is a pseudotyped adenovirus comprising 5′ and 3′ adenovirus cis-elements necessary for replication and encapsidation, said cis-elements comprising an adenovirus 5′ inverted terminal repeat and an adenovirus 3′ inverted terminal repeat.
 11. The adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein the adenovirus comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a product operatively linked to sequences which direct expression of said product in a host cell.
 12. The adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein the adenovirus comprises one or more adenovirus genes.
 13. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 7, wherein the adenovirus is replication-defective.
 14. The recombinant adenovirus according to claim 13, wherein the adenovirus is deleted in adenovirus E1.
 15. A composition comprising the adenovirus according to claim 1 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 16. A method for targeting a cell having an adenoviral receptor comprising delivering to a subject an adenovirus according to claim
 1. 17. A composition comprising the adenovirus according to claim 1 in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said adenovirus further comprising one or more simian adenovirus protein selected from the group consisting of: E1a, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30, 127, 159, 62, 95 and 191; E1b, small T/19K, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24, 120, 153, 56, 89, and 185; E1b, large T/55K, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 99, 131, 34, 66, and 163; IX, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, 100, 132, 35, 67, and 164; 52/55D, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, 101, 133, 36, 68, and 165; IIIa, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, 102, 134, 37, 69 and 166; VII, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 104, 136, 39, 71, and 168; V, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, 105, 137, 40, 72, and 169; pX, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, 106, 138, 41, 73, and 170; VI, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, 107, 139, 42, 74, and 171; Endoprotease, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, 109, 141, 44, 76, and 173; 100 kD, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, 110, 142, 45, 77, and 174; 33 kD, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32, 129, 161, 64, 97, 97, and 193; 22 kD, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26, 122, 155, 58, 91, and 187; VIII, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14, 111, 143, 46, 78, and 175; E3/12.5 K, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15, 123, 144, 47, 79, and 176; CR1-alpha, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, 112, 156, 59, 92, and 188; gp19K, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16, 124, 145, 48, 87, and 177; CR1-beta, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, 113, 146, 49, 80, and 178; CR1-gamma, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18, 114, 147, 50, 81, and 179; CR1-delta, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, 115, 148, 51, 82, 180; RID-alpha, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, 116, 149, 52, 83, and 181; RID-beta, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21, 117, 150, 53, 93, and 182; and E3/14.7K, selected from the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, 125, 158, 60, 84, and
 189. 18. A method for targeting a cell having an adenoviral receptor comprising delivering to a subject a composition according to claim
 17. 